I read a lot about this a couple of months ago, because my mother says that I was born at 44 weeks (second induction attempt, in 1970), and my brother was born at 37 weeks... but we were similar in size and I had no signs of postmaturity. I've come to the conclusion that my mother just can't count or she skipped a period.
I found two studies on greenjournal.org which were interesting, one which showed a strong correlation between the mother's length of gestation and her babies', and a weaker, but still significant, link with the father's length of gestation. I think the study was done in Denmark or Sweden. The other one was a recent Canadian study which looked at the difference between expectant management and induction at EDD+10, and found that there was no significant differnce in outcomes.
The OB at the hospital I'm going to says they have to get the baby out before 42 weeks, which is why they induce so early, at just over 41 weeks, but from my research I think this is totally bogus. Non-stress tests, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and daily kick counts all seem like a good idea to me after 41 weeks and a bit, but I won't go in for induction before I am past 42 weeks, unless there's a definite problem.
I agree with all those who say that post-dates and post-mature are different issues. Also that post-maturity seems to have more to do with stress than with dates per se. Sadly, I don't think that the research being done in the medical community is all that great. Good luck with everything!
I found two studies on greenjournal.org which were interesting, one which showed a strong correlation between the mother's length of gestation and her babies', and a weaker, but still significant, link with the father's length of gestation. I think the study was done in Denmark or Sweden. The other one was a recent Canadian study which looked at the difference between expectant management and induction at EDD+10, and found that there was no significant differnce in outcomes.
The OB at the hospital I'm going to says they have to get the baby out before 42 weeks, which is why they induce so early, at just over 41 weeks, but from my research I think this is totally bogus. Non-stress tests, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and daily kick counts all seem like a good idea to me after 41 weeks and a bit, but I won't go in for induction before I am past 42 weeks, unless there's a definite problem.
I agree with all those who say that post-dates and post-mature are different issues. Also that post-maturity seems to have more to do with stress than with dates per se. Sadly, I don't think that the research being done in the medical community is all that great. Good luck with everything!
