If labour has not started two weeks after the due date, we call this an ‘overdue pregnancy’.
The midwife, GP or gynaecologist determines the due date at the beginning of the pregnancy. This date is usually calculated by adding 40 weeks to the first day of the last normal menstrual period. However, 5 to 10% of all pregnancies last longer than 42 weeks.
After the period of 42 weeks, there is a risk of complications, the placenta cannot continue to function, there is a risk of the baby dying in the womb, etc.
Therefore, to avoid risks, people usually have labour induced between the 41st and 42nd week!
If labour has not yet started, it can be assumed that either the mother or the baby is not yet ready. Waiting until a maximum of 42 weeks can, in principle, do no harm; after that, it is best not to take any further risk!
In the case of delivery after a pregnancy of 42 weeks, a hospital birth is recommended. If you give birth in the hospital, the gynaecologist is responsible. Guidance during childbirth is usually provided by a specially trained hospital midwife.
You have to take into account that as the pregnancy progresses, the delivery is sometimes slower because the contractions are not strong enough. It may then be necessary to strengthen the contractions with medication. These drugs are administered by infusion.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
