When a woman's expected date of delivery (EDD) has passed and she doesn't feel any sign of labour, it's called post- term pregnancy or prolonged pregnancy, this means the pregnancy has gone beyond 40 weeks, especially after 41- 42 weeks.
Here's what happens and what it means:
✔Possible reasons
1: Wrong date calculation: the pregnancy might not be as far along as believed (especially if the women didn't have an early ultrasound).
2: Genetic factors: some women naturally carry pregnancies a little longer, especially if it runs in the family.
3: Hormonal imbalance: sometimes the body doesn't release enough hormones to start labour.
4: First pregnancy: labour can take longer to start in first - time mothers.
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✔: Risks if Pregnancy Gose Too Long:
if the pregnancy goes past 41- 42 weeks, there can be health risks such as:
●Placenta aging: the placenta may stop supplying enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
●Reduce amniotic fluid: this can cause umbilical cord compression and affect the baby's breathing.
●Big baby ( macrosomia ): makes vaginal delivery harder and increases the chance of tears or needing a C- section.
●Stillbirth (in rare cases): if the baby remains too long in the womb.
✔What Should Be Done:
If the due date has passed:
- go to the hospital for a check up immediately.
- The doctor will check the baby's heartbeat and movement.
- An ultrasound and non-stress test may be done to monitor the baby's health and the placenta.
📌If everything is fine:
The doctor may allow a few more days while closely monitoring you.
📌If the baby or placenta shows any problem, or the pregnancy is over 41- 42 weeks:
- The doctor may induce labour ( use medicine to start contractions).
- If induction fails or the baby is in distress, a cesarean section (C- section) may be done.
- Remember the meaning of our Hebrew woman, "baby alive mother alive".
Signs To Watch For:
~ If you notice no baby movement.
~ Several abdominal pain
~ Vaginal bleeding.
~ Fluid leakage.
Then go to the hospital immediately.✍
