Help, I'm overdue and SO over it!

Ok, so you have survived your pregnancy. It has felt like it has gone on forever and at the same time it has gone in a flash. You have dreamt about this day for the past 35 weeks. Your due date. The date you will be welcoming your baby into your arms and into your life forever. You have planned, organised, and dreamt and now you are waiting. And waiting. And waiting. The date comes and goes. Shit, still nothing. The calls, the texts, the DM’s on social media, asking if anything is happening? And now you are over it. You want to meet your baby already!!

I get it, I do.

Here is a little something that may help…

A pregnancy that goes past 40 weeks gestation is considered 'overdue' and is very common in a first-time pregnancy. An induction is often not necessary until closer 42 weeks as long as everything is going well with yourself and your baby. Although it can be uncomfortable being pregnant at 40 weeks it is important to remember that your baby is still growing and maturing at this time. Your baby may just need a little longer to reach full maturity.

What are the risks of going over my due date?

There is an increase in the prevalence of stillbirths past the 42-week mark. After this time the placenta becomes less efficient at nutrient and oxygen transfer, therefore increasing the chances of placental insufficiency. Listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and discuss your individual options. Understand what is best for both you and your baby and make an informed decision. You always have the right to decline intervention but empower yourself with the pros and cons and make your decision with full knowledge of the situation. If you decline induction past 42 weeks you will be more than likely offered daily CTG monitoring (again you can decline this). Just remember that no amount of monitoring can predict whether your placenta might cease to function adequately hours or minutes after being monitored.

An induction? Really?

If you are concerned about being induced you can always discuss the different options for induction. Start with the least invasive first and if your labour doesn't progress you can then move onto more invasive forms. Your midwife may suggest doing a ‘stretch and sweep’. This is when they gently insert their finger to stretch the internal cervical opening. This is to encourage the release of prostaglandins and uterine tightening. They will also do a ‘sweep’ of the membranes around the baby at the top of the cervix. This sounds so much more horrific than it actually is. It will be uncomfortable but like any internal examination, if you relax and focus on your breathing and not what is going on down below it really isn’t a big deal. Sometimes this is all that is needed to bring on labour.

Non-medical options:

There are always non-medical options for trying to bring on labour. These are best started from 39 weeks:

• Acupuncture
• Regular walking
• Sex: in particular, orgasm
• Spicy food
• Evening primrose oil: digested or directly on the cervix
• Nipple stimulation-try to express some of that milk
• Visualisation and Affirmations
• Red raspberry leaf tea

Remember, to listen to your body, your instincts and your baby.  If at any point you are concerned about your baby’s movements or that something isn’t quite right, seek medical help immediately.

Ultimately, your baby will be born. Patience is the key. Don’t underestimate the power of positivity and visualisations. Talk to your baby. Tell him/her that you are ready and waiting. Whether you require intervention or not, always remember the most important objective is a healthy Mumma and healthy baby.  

And as always, be kind to yourself, you are doing the best job you can!