Post-term pregnancy: what if you’re ‘overdue’?

You’ve reached your due date…. and yet nothing happens. No contractions, no signs. Just that one sentence you keep hearing: “You’re overdue.” But what does that actually mean? And more importantly, what does it mean for you and your baby? In this blog, we’ll gently guide you through everything you want to know about
post-term pregnancy. So that you understand what’s going on and can make a choice that feels right for you, with confidence.

What does post-term pregnancy mean?

Post-term pregnancy means you’ve been pregnant for more than 42 weeks. That’s more than two weeks after your due date. Good to know: your due date is, of course, an estimate. Only a small percentage of women actually give birth exactly on that day. So it’s not at all unusual for your baby to be born a little later.

What if you’re still pregnant after your due date?

Once you’re past your due date, so from 40 to 41 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll have a conversation with your midwife. If it’s medically responsible, you’ll discuss together which next step you’d prefer. You then have two options:

• Wait for labour to start on its own
• Choose to be induced

There’s no right or wrong here. Which choice is best depends on your situation, how you feel, and your pregnancy. That’s why your midwife will discuss this with you personally. If you’re offered this choice, know that at that point both options are medically responsible for you.

Why is it better not to be pregnant for longer than 42 weeks?

There’s no ‘hard limit’ that says you can’t or shouldn’t be pregnant for longer than 42 weeks. But we do know that certain risks slowly increase the longer the pregnancy lasts. That’s why, around 41 weeks, we already discuss which approach you’d prefer. Not to put you under pressure, but to keep you well informed.

What are the risks of post-term pregnancy?

Most pregnancies that go longer than expected simply go well. Still, there are a few points we stay extra alert to:

• Meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This happens when your baby passes meconium (stool) into the amniotic fluid. This is usually
  harmless, but it can sometimes cause breathing problems after birth.
• Slightly higher chance of your baby being admitted. For example, to the neonatal unit (NICU). This chance increases slightly after 42 weeks of
  pregnancy.
• A very small increase in the risk of stillbirth. Fortunately, this remains very rare, but it is still a factor in the decision to discuss the options around
  41 weeks.

Do know: the risks are there, but they are very small. Most babies are also born healthy after 41 or 42 weeks.

Is it true that your placenta ‘ages’?

The idea that the placenta ‘ages’ is a persistent myth. You’re not a carton of milk that goes ‘past its date’. What is true is that as the pregnancy progresses, your placenta becomes slightly less efficient. However, this happens very gradually, and not on a fixed day such as after 42 weeks of pregnancy. But because your placenta works a little less well over time, we do monitor you and your baby closely during this phase. We look at how your baby is moving, how you’re feeling, and if needed, we schedule some extra check-ups at the hospital. Do know that a poorly functioning placenta is genuinely very rare, but we monitor you closely during this phase just to be safe.

Induction or waiting: what suits you?

The most important question with post-term pregnancy is: what suits you, and what is medically the best approach for you and your baby? The answer naturally differs from person to person and situation to situation.

Still, you can ask yourself a few questions:

• How do you feel about a natural start to labour?
• How are you feeling right now, physically and mentally?
• How has the pregnancy gone so far?

Some women are perfectly happy to wait it out calmly. Others prefer to have more control and choose induction instead. But in every case: discuss it with your midwife for expert, personal advice. She knows what options are available to you and will make sure you know and understand those options, and that you can
calmly discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Frequently asked questions about post-term pregnancy

What is post-term pregnancy?

You’re then pregnant for more than 42 weeks: so more than 2 weeks ‘overdue’.

Is it a problem to be overdue?

No, usually not. Many pregnancies last a little longer without any problems.

When is induction recommended?

This is often discussed around 41 weeks. If it can be done safely, it’s a choice.

Can I wait until 42 weeks?

In some cases, yes, if everything is going well and you’re well guided. Speak to your midwife for personal
advice.

How do I know if my baby is still doing well?

By paying close attention to your baby’s movements and through check-ups with your midwife or at the
hospital.

Trust your body, and ask us if you have questions or doubts

The final days or even weeks of your pregnancy can be intense. You’re looking forward to meeting your baby, and might feel impatient or even a little tense. If you have doubts, questions, or just want to talk things through now that you’re past your due date, you’re always welcome to call us. We’re here for you.