Where is this Baby?

EVERY single one of my EDD's given to me has been surpassed.
It sounds funny to say, "every one of them", but with an irregular cycle and inconsistent measurements, it seemed every doctor or midwife I have seen during the past 41 weeks has had a difference in professional opinion as to when this little guy is coming.

• January 4, Nope.
• January 7, Not it.
• January 9, Nada.
• January 13, Goodbye.
• January 15, See ya.

When you first see your midwife or doctor they give you a date that your baby is due. Sometimes this date is changed during the course of your pregnancy, but mostly it stays the same and is looked forward to with great anticipation.

The reality is however that only 5% of babies arrive on the day they are expected. Ideally you should allow two weeks either side of your due date. Giving birth anywhere between 37 to 42 weeks is considered normal.

So where does that leave me?
In a tizzy!
I am anywhere between 1 and 12 days late.
Not quite two weeks, but pretty dang close.

Around 10% of pregnancies do go beyond 42 weeks.

In the majority of cases the outcome is good for prolonged pregnancies. It’s only a minority of cases where problems occur.
Commonly induction of labour is offered once the pregnancy exceeds 41 weeks.

There is very little a woman can do to avoid going overdue or have any control over the actual length of pregnancy, when waiting for labour to start naturally.

• Sweeping membranes – during a vaginal examination the midwife or doctor gently separate the membranes from the opening of the uterus.
• Sexual activity – A woman’s orgasm causes oxytocin to be released, as does nipple stimulation. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Semen also contains prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix.
• Acupuncture or acupressure – consult a qualified practitioner
• Homeopathic remedies – consult a qualified practitioner
• Herbal preparations – consult a qualified practitioner
• Walking
• Good hot bowl of curry
• Castor oil. Castor oil can cause cramps, nausea, vomiting and spasmodic contractions of the uterus. Basically it is down right unpleasant.
• Breaking the waters: The waters are broken with an instrument shaped like a large crochet hook. The cervix needs to be open a couple of centimetres before the bag of waters can be broken. Breaking the waters can be an uncomfortable procedure, particularly if the cervix isn’t open very far. Breaking the waters may be enough to start labour on its own, but usually a Syntocinon intravenous infusion is required.
• Prostaglandin gel: Prostaglandin gel is placed in the back of the vagina and helps soften and ripen the cervix. In some women, labour may start without further intervention. Prostaglandin administration increases the risk of developing a temperature, diarrhoea, fetal distress and haemorrhage after birth.
• Syntocinon through an intravenous infusion: Once the waters have been broken, an intravenous drip containing the drug Syntocinon can be used. Syntocinon is a synthetic hormone that makes the uterus contract and is a fairly reliable method for starting labour. Problems associated with induction with Syntocinon include failure to progress (resulting in a caesarean birth), increased need for pain relieving drugs, need for continuous monitoring of the baby through labour, increased risk of baby becoming distressed and increased risk of haemorrhage after the birth.

Reasons of an Overdue Pregnancy:

• The exact date of the start of your last menstrual period isn't known
• This is true for me, although the date of conception IS known...
• This is your first pregnancy
• NOPE
• You've had prior overdue pregnancies
• Not as far as I originally thought, however after switching doctors it was brought to my attention that my little Bean was 10 days late!
• Overdue pregnancy runs in your family
• NOPE
• Your baby is a boy
• Ok, true, but I also had a premature boy...
• You're obese
• NOPE