The due date is taken as 280 days from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), if your cycles are REGULAR. Usually calculated as plus 7 days from the date of your LMP and deducting 3 months. For example, if your first day of last menstrual period is on 01/06/23, then your estimated due date (EDD) is calculated as plus 7 days i.e., 1+7= 8 and go back 3 months i.e., 6-3= 3, hence EDD is on 8/3/24.
When the baby is overdue, the risks to the baby and the mother increases. The placenta’s function starts declining and its ability to provide the baby with adequate oxygen and nutrients may be compromised. This also may cause a reduction in the volume of essential amniotic fluid and the possibility of fetal distress increases. The baby could grow too large to pass safely through the birth canal and hence many mothers may need a caesarean section.
Yes. In fact, it’s better, as Studies have shown that newborn admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) increase slightly when a pregnancy lasts 40 to 42 weeks. And stillbirth, though rare, becomes a concern. However, Whether or not you’ll be induced depends on your own health, the status of your cervix, and the baby’s well-being
Yes. In fact, only about 5 per cent of women actually give birth on the exact date they are due. Most babies arrive between 37 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy.
Labour may be starting if, you start to have
A birth plan is a written summary of your preferences for when you are in labour and giving birth. It includes things like what position you want to give birth in, what pain relief you prefer and who you would like to be with you at the birth.
You don’t have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your doctor or health care provider will be able to help. Discussing a birth plan gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour. It also gives your doctor the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities. if you don’t know how to start, you can download a template of the birth plan from www.nhs.uk for guidance.
However, you need to be flexible and be prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if certain facilities aren’t available at your preferred birthing Centre. The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need to.
Common methods of inducing labour include
The labour can be delayed if,
Yes, you can. However, this depends on the reason for which you had a c. section.
Factors like
If it’s for non- recurrent indications like fetal distress/ abnormal position of the baby or placenta, then its possible to have abnormal delivery provided the baby is well and in the normal position. But if your c- section was for an indication like abnormal uterus or pelvis then natural birth is not possible.
Benefits- C-section births are a good and lifesaving option if vaginal birth isn’t an option, or the parent and baby are in danger. C-sections are typically scheduled with your doctor so you will know the time and day. It gives families the ability to plan and prepare for the delivery without feeling rushed. Also, the chances for pelvic floor damage resulting in incontinence or prolapse and sexual dysfunction is much lesser than vaginal delivery
Risks- C-section is still a major abdominal surgery and has its own risks like any other surgery. Risks include, Bleeding, infection, post op pain, longer hospital stay, risk of blood clots, risk of repeat C-sections in subsequent pregnancies, having an abnormally placed placenta in future pregnancies.
No for a normal delivery! Though we wish we could.
General items like clothing/ toiletries/ phone charger etc like any other travel. In addition, make sure you have your birth plan, hospital records, ID, maternity and nursing wear/ support bras, maternity pads, baby clothes to receive and bring the baby back home.
You can try these positions to ease your labour pain
However, if your labour is augmented or if the baby’s heart beat is being monitored continuously your movement might be restricted.
Pain is very individual. Whether to take Pain relief or not would depend on your pain threshold. There are various methods of pain relief available like epidural, medications like pethidine, Entonox etc. discuss with your doctor about its availability and suitability for you.
