Is the baby coming late? Has the due date passed? Let's talk about this!

I know you're crossing your fingers for your due date. But sometimes babies come a little late. It's normal to have a lot of things on your mind when that happens. But don't worry, let's get this straight. Most of the time, especially with your first baby, it's rare for the baby to arrive on the same day the doctor announces it. Some mothers have to wait as long as two weeks.

What happens if the due date given by the doctor is passed?

Usually, if labor has not started within a week of your due date, your doctor will ask you to do a 'non-stress test' . This is done by checking the baby's heartbeat and the way the baby moves to make sure that the baby is doing well. Think of it like the baby inside telling us, "I'm fine, mom!"

Sometimes, an ultrasound scan may be done along with the non-stress test. This will allow you to get a better look at your baby and check the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. The combined test is called a biophysical profile . It is important to talk to your doctor about these tests to learn more about them. This will help you to ease your fears.

When do you need help to start labor (induce labor)?

Sometimes mothers need a little help to start labor. This means that labor may need to be 'induced' , or artificially induced. This is only done if the health of the mother or baby requires it. The doctor makes that decision. It's not done for everyone.

Remember, inducing labor is not something to be afraid of. It is done to protect you and your baby.

Now let's see how labor starts in this way. There are several ways:

1. Cervix ripening and preparation

This involves softening, thinning, and preparing your cervix, the opening through which the baby comes out, to make it easier for the baby to come through . This is called 'ripening' the cervix. There are two ways to do this:

• Hormone use: The mother may be given a hormone called prostaglandin . This may be given as a vaginal tablet or as a pill. This hormone causes the cervix to soften and begin to open.
• Insertion of a small tube (catheter): Sometimes, a small tube, called a 'catheter', is inserted through the vagina into the cervix, and a small balloon-like part at the end of it is slowly inflated. The cervix is ​​then gradually stretched and opened. This is like a door being opened slowly.

2. Stripping the Membranes

This may sound a bit strange, but it's also a technique doctors use. What happens here is that the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the vagina and passes the finger between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall, separating the two . This is called 'stripping the membranes'.

When you do this, your body starts producing a hormone called prostaglandin . As mentioned earlier, this hormone helps prepare the cervix for the baby to come in, and may even cause contractions. This can be a bit uncomfortable, but it is often a successful method.

3. Breaking Your Water / Amniotomy

You may have heard of "water breaking" or "water breaking." This is when the doctor uses a special instrument to make a small hole in the amniotic sac around the baby . This is medically called an "amniotomy."

After your water breaks, you will usually start to feel more energized, meaning you will start to have contractions, or your existing contractions will become stronger. This will increase the chances of you delivering your baby soon.

4. Stimulating uterine contractions

Sometimes, even if the cervix is ​​ready, contractions don't come properly, and they need to be stimulated. To do this, the mother is given a hormone called oxytocin (brand name Pitocin ) through an IV line , which is like saline.

This hormone causes the uterus to contract, and the contractions of labor begin to come. There is nothing to worry about, as the doctor and nurses will take good care of you and your baby.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so from what we've just discussed, you probably understand that you don't need to worry about the due date that the doctor gave you.

• Most of the time, babies don't come to the doctor's appointment on the same day. That's normal.
• Your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely, using things like a non-stress test and an ultrasound.
• Only if absolutely necessary will the doctor decide to 'induce' labor . There are several safe methods for that as well.
• Talk to your doctor about everything. Ask him about your questions and fears. They are there to help you.
• Stay positive. Your little one will be in your arms in a few days. Until then, keep your mind calm.

Don't forget, every pregnancy and every birth is different. Your experience will be unique to you. I sincerely wish you and your baby a happy, healthy birth!

` Post-term pregnancy, post-term delivery, induction of labor, non-stress test, amniotomy, oxytocin, cervical ripening