When to start worrying

[sarabug]

I am overdue, really overdue. According to LMP and charting I was due 11/21/07 according to a dating U/S I had I was due on 11/28/07. So I am about to be either 44 or 43 weeks depending who you ask.

The baby is moving fine and my BP is good no swelling ect ect ect. So when should I start to worry? I am always really late but people keep asking me when I am going to have the baby/interviene. I have tried all the natural induction methods but nothing.

What should I do??

[southernmommie]

I've read a lady that went to 49 weeks. I'm not saying go that far, but just saying it's possible. I would try all the relaxing and visualization techniques that are mentioned to help things along in addition to any natural induction techniques you are already trying. Lot's of sex and lot's of walking also help from what I hear! Your baby may not be ready. I would continue to check blood pressure and your own body temperature. If you can, keep checking baby's heart beat also.

[mama in the forest]

Mama ~ how long do your pregnancies usually last? This sounds like it is normal for you.

[Intertwined]

Oh well, what is WITH the trolls lately?

Anyway, I think the record is 52 weeks gestation.

[~Boudicca~]

Whoa! That was uncalled for!

[onlyboys]

OP, you should totally ignore the troll. She/he is clearly not comfortable with unassisted, and shouldn't be posting on this board.

On topic, I think if you are concerned, then perhaps you should get checked, but if the baby is moving fine, then perhaps you could wait. I'd really listen to what my body is telling me, and go with that.

[brackin]

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[attachedmamaof3]

If baby is moving fine and going post-dates is normal for you, I'd start worrying when I started worrying. Does that make sense? I believe in the power of intuition and if you're having "uh-oh" feelings, you listen to yourself. If not, than let it ride!!

I tend to go post-dates as well, my last was born at approx 43-44 wks. (My middle child was a UC at 42.5 wks)

[attachedmamaof3]

OT but useful:

Two great buttons

Ignore
and
Report

[elspethshimon]

I agree. I wouldn't worry about worrying until you start to worry.

[cravenab00]

sometimes emotional blocks can impede labor. can you think of anything that might be bothering you emotionally? i really wouldnt worry unless you feel something is wrong, or you have any physical signs that something is wrong.
any chance your dates are wrong?

[~Boudicca~]

Anyway, my post got lost. Have you tried acupuncture?

[JessicaS]

The offensive commentary has been removed, y'all can go about your business.

[anthasam]

Originally Posted by abimommy

The offensive commentary has been removed, y'all can go about your business.

THANK YOU!

[AlmostCrunchyMama]

Speaking for myself, I would not let a pregnancy go as far over due as you think you are.
I respect all womans right to choose what happens to her own body, but IMO, when you choose to continue a pregnancy to term, you become responsible for another person life.
Allowing a pregnancy to continue so far past, is not something I would chance.
I personally, could not live with myself if something happened to the baby that could of been prevented with a visit to a midwife or Dr.
If you are asking my opinion? Get yourself to a clinic or a midwife today.

[AugustineM]

Originally Posted by AlmostCrunchyMama

Speaking for myself, I would not let a pregnancy go as far over due as you think you are.
I respect all womans right to choose what happens to her own body, but IMO, when you choose to continue a pregnancy to term, you become responsible for another person life.
Allowing a pregnancy to continue so far past, is not something I would chance.
I personally, could not live with myself if something happened to the baby that could of been prevented with a visit to a midwife or Dr.
If you are asking my opinion? Get yourself to a clinic or a midwife today.

I assume you mean "past" term, not "to" term, although she could definitely only be "term." Almostcrunchy, did you know that the *average* length of gestation goes well into 43 weeks? This mama is not doing anything dangerous or life threatening at all. She is monitoring her pregnancy. When you suggest going to a clinic or midwife, what do you think they should do? Induce her?

As a side note, it doesn't really sound to me like you are supportive of unassisted birth. If you aren't, you really shouldn't post here.

OP -- if I were you I would continue to monitor movement and heartbeat. I didn't catch if you were going UP as well. If you are, is there someone you could contact that you trust if you wanted to? (I mean a midwife you could talk to or someone like that?)

[flapjack]

Almostcrunchy, if you want more information on postdates pregnancy I'm happy to share some links with you. PM me. Suffice it to say that you're looking at a stillbirth outcome of 0.3% at 43 weeks, as opposed to 0.1% at 40 weeks, and the reasons for these deaths remain as yet unknown. Contrary to popular belief, the placenta does not pack a bag and leave the uterus at 288 days on the dot.

OP, how are you doing emotionally? Do you feel like you're winding up to labour? Is this the desperate cry of "I don't know if I can handle being pregnant any more" just before labour hits, or are you still calm and non-contractiony? What's your instinct telling you? Or do you just need to vent? ALL of this is OK, but I think I'd use emotional signposts to help make the judgement call about whether to ask for help or not.

I went to 43.5 with my first and it was the hardest decision I've ever made to continue declining medical attention. (I walked out of a c-section at 37.5 because it was no longer necessary as he'd turned.) Lots of luck to you.

[Kidzaplenty]

I was a 44 wk baby. My son was 42 wks.

Also, are you positive of EDDs? Because for two of my babies, my EDD based on my LMP was off by 4.5 weeks! Meaning I skipped a period before getting pg. So, if I had not had early dating u/s before 10 weeks, I would have thought I was birthing at 44 weeks and 45.5.

But other than possibly having a stress test (if you felt comfortable with that) I would wait it out. So long as baby is doing well.

[Intertwined]

Good point Jenny, and one I had forgotten. My brother and I were both 44 week babies (I think I was 43ish but my brother was for sure 44). This was back in the day when they didn't intervene nearly as quickly. I was born at 7 pounds 4 ounces and my brother at 8.4 and both perfectly healthy. Can you imagine what I might have weighed if they had induced my mother at "term" and 40 weeks????

[Marlet]

My sister was a 44 weeker (and that was two failed pit. inductions...my poor mother ). Sounds like this is normal for you. Also, do you know the gender and the "pattern" for that gender in your family? There are studies that say you gestate similar to your mother and her to hers etc. For example, my mom carried us girls longer than the boys. My sister went "overdue" with her DD and I went "overdue" with both my DD's (more with my first). She's pregnant again so we'll see if the trend continues.

As long as you feel ok (mentally as wel as physically) and the baby seems to be doing well (however you determine things whether by movement alone or movement plus heartbeat etc.) I don't see why not.

Also, keep in mind you aren't technically overdue until 42 weeks 1 day.