Are you pregnant at 42 weeks? You’re among the few whose pregnancy has passed the due date. This article covers what happens in this late stage—for both you and your baby—and how to prepare for a possible induction.

Baby: Your baby is now fully developed and ready to face the outside world! 👶

The fact that labour has not started yet does not mean that you are overdue, this is counted as starting from 42 completed weeks (that is, 42+0) and then a discussion will occur around options of induction or expectant management. It differs somewhat from trust to trust, when labour is started and in some parts of the country induction is recommended as early as week 41+0.

What does inducing labour mean?

There are different methods of inducing labour depending on how ready your cervix is. This could include tablets / pessary that are provided normally vaginaly, a soft catheter that widens the cervix and using ARM (artificial rupture of membranes) making a hole in the amniotic membranes to break the waters and or drip to help stimulate contractions and augment labour.
You may have already booked a date and have made a plan to induce labour with your chosen maternity ward – that’s if you don’t give birth before then! Its advisable to read about your options; pros and cons so that yoy can make an informed choice.

Mother: Now your due date has passed and we understand that it can be frustrating that labour hasn’t started yet… but think about it, now it’s really within reach!

Expected Date of Delivery

It’s normal to give birth between weeks 37+0 and 42+0, but that doesn’t mean that patience has to be particularly good in the final push. Remind yourself that the expected date for the baby to be born is within these weeks. Only 5% of all babies are born on the EDD (Estimated Date of Delivery). The majority of babies are born around 41 weeks of pregnancy.

By being pregnant for a long time, the body can mature, your cervix softens and shortens, and the hormone relaxin can soften your pelvic joints (hips) even more. All of these are things that will be to your advantage and facilitate childbirth.

Baby Blues

After birth, a major hormonal adjustment takes place, which usually appears approximately 2-4 days after delivery. You will notice the Baby Blues, as it is called, through an emotional change characterised by your feelings; varying greatly during the course of the day. Many women mainly experience increased depression, anxiety and are close to crying. The feeling of being sad can last up to two weeks and this is considered normal. But if the feeling turns into a permanent depression, that you feel numb without feelings of either joy or sadness, then it is important to seek help! Please speak with your GP or private counsellor.

Partner: Now your partner has passed your estimated due date

If labour doesn’t start this week she will be offered options; induction or expectant management, maybe you have already been given a date to induce labour? Then it’s not long until this long wait is over!

Visiting for the first time

When the baby is finally born, friends and family will likely want to visit you to meet your new arrival. To be prepared for visits and make the last period of pregnancy go faster, you can bake or cook and freeze, which you can then take out when guests want to visit. But don’t forget that it’s perfectly okay to say no to visits if you want to land in the baby bubble on your own.