Being overdue to have a baby means different things to people.
Some pregnant women will be quite relaxed about it, confident that
the baby will come in its own sweet time. Others are anxious,
waiting nervously for something, anything to happen. Midwives and
doctors can have different views as well, and even opposing views
on the need to induce an overdue pregnancy.
When you are 42 weeks pregnant, you will find your health care
provider will check and re-check the accuracy of your due date.
This is done by checking the first day of your last normal period
as well as your ultrasound findings. You may have a vaginal
examination this week so the suitability of your cervix for labour
can be assessed. If your baby's head has engaged and is applying
pressure to your cervix it is likely that this will be thinning and
starting to dilate. Your midwife or doctor may even try to stretch
the cervix a little and strip the membranes from around your baby's
head. This will help to release prostaglandins from your cervix, as
these chemicals play an important role in commencing
contractions.
It is important that you are being monitored carefully if you do
get to 42 weeks of pregnancy. Biophysical profiles and regular
CTG's (Cardiotocographs) are commonly recommended. The placenta is
unlikely to be working as effectively as it was a few weeks ago and
it is important that it is still able to support your baby
efficiently.
your physical changes this week
- You are likely to have problems with swelling this week. Your
ankles and feet look puffy and it may be hard to walk any distance
or stay on your feet for too long.
- Swelling may trouble you in your vulval region as well and
there will be a general heaviness and feeling of congestion in your
pelvis. The baby is likely to be sitting down low and you are very
much aware of having approximately 4kg+ (baby, placenta and
amniotic fluid) of solid mass just waiting to get out.
- You may need to empty your bowels more frequently this week.
The pressure of the baby on your lower bowel and rectum means there
isn't much room for waste products to accumulate. If you have been
constipated until now, you could feel some welcome relief as the
baby's head applies pressure to your rectum. Your bladder can't
fill with much urine before you feel the urge to go to the
toilet.
- You may notice a mucousy vaginal discharge which is tinged with
blood. Your cervix is so engorged with blood now that some slight
blood loss is common.
your emotional changes this week
- You are probably feeling a sense of relief that the end is in
sight. Around 15 percent of women carry their babies past 41 weeks
of pregnancy and it is rare that a midwife or doctor will allow a
pregnant woman to go past 42 weeks of gestation. So be reassured,
that this week you will have your baby.
- You could get very tired of hearing people ask why you haven't
had the baby yet. You're sick of telling them why and repeating the
same information. Limit social interaction and stay at home with
your partner. Aim for the simplest of lives this week.
- You could be worried about the potential of your membranes
rupturing (waters breaking) in public. Pregnant women can envisage
a huge gush of fluid, similar to a tsunami washing away everything
and everyone in its path. In reality, this is very unlikely. In
only 15 percent of pregnancies do membranes rupture before the
uterus starts contracting. Keep some towels and sanitary pads
handy.
- If your membranes have ruptured but you haven't started
contracting or actively labouring, this can be a nervous wait. Most
maternity units have policy of inducing contractions if 24 hours
has elapsed from when the membranes first ruptured. This is because
of the risk of infection to the mother and baby. Amongst other
functions, the membranes serve as a sterile, protective shield to
the baby in the uterus.
your baby's changes this week
- Overdue babes can have dry, peeling skin. The vernix caseosa
which has protected it for so many weeks has been reabsorbed and
there have not been the benefits to its skin of a waterproof
coating. Make sure you have some olive oil in the house to include
in your baby's bath water as well as for massages.
- Babies who are born overdue or post-dates also tend to have
long fingernails. They can easily scratch their faces so invest in
some mittens and safety nail clippers. The best time to cut their
fingernails is after a bath when the nails are soft. Ask one of the
midwives to show you the best way to do this.
- Overdue babies tend to be hungry babies. They haven't been fed
as well by the placenta in the last couple of weeks. They demand to
be fed often and want to compensate for what they feel they've
missed out on. Offering breastfeeds early and frequently after
birth assists in establishing lactation and helps with creating
close emotional connections.
hints for the week
- If you are keen to bring you labour on, try having a hot curry,
hot sex or even a long, hot walk. By this stage of your pregnancy
you're probably willing to try anything which will just prompt your
baby out of your body and into your arms.
- Keep in close contact with your midwife or doctor and seek
their support and advice. They will speak with you about different
induction techniques including ARM
(Artificial Rupture of the Membranes), Prostaglandin Gel and
Syntocinon Infusion.
- Congratulate yourself for getting to the end of a long
pregnancy. This is only the beginning!