When to start worrying - Page 2

[megamom]

My sister was a 42 weeker and weighed only 6-15, I was a 41.5 weeker that weighed only 6-8. I am so glad they were not inducing back then!

TO the OP- as long as you are feeling movements and the heartbeat is good, I wouldn't worry just yet.

[Ixcuina]

Originally Posted by AugustineM

Almostcrunchy, did you know that the *average* length of gestation goes well into 43 weeks?

Did you mean to say something different here or did you really mean to say the average length of gestation goes past 43 weeks? I have never heard of such a thing (just think it is important to be giving accurate info to someone if they are asking for advice, etc).

[boobyfeeder]

DH was 6 weeks "late", but there is a good chance he had a lost twin and his mother was measuring large, so they thought she was farther along than she really was. Anyway, go as long as you feel comfortable. The baby will come when he/she is ready.

[moodymaximus]

Originally Posted by Ixcuina

Did you mean to say something different here or did you really mean to say the average length of gestation goes past 43 weeks? I have never heard of such a thing (just think it is important to be giving accurate info to someone if they are asking for advice, etc).

i was wondering about this too. i read in a Henci Goer's book that everage gestation for first pregnancies is 41 weeks or 41 weeks 3 days (my memory is failing me). i haven't seen any figures for subsequent pregnancies.

[Intertwined]

Originally Posted by Ixcuina

Did you mean to say something different here or did you really mean to say the average length of gestation goes past 43 weeks? I have never heard of such a thing (just think it is important to be giving accurate info to someone if they are asking for advice, etc).

I think maybe she meant it goes well into 41 weeks? (41 weeks 3days average length gestation for first time moms)

You aren't really "late" until you get to 42 weeks. Meaning the new fad of inducing baby at 40 weeks with 41 being the absolute latest you are "allowed" to go is not good science.

[AugustineM]

Yes, sorry, I mean to say that you aren't late until you get into the 42nd week... I had average gestation on my mind too, so I think I got them mixed up. Thanks -- I agree, it's important to make sure these are true statistics.

Just to add to the anecdotal stories... I was planning a vbac with my DD who is now 18 mo. I had some pressure to induce at 40 wks. She was not born until 42 wks 3 days (according to LMP dating). However, she was only 7 lbs 8 oz. I honestly believe that the dates were off. I think that is one of my big hesitatons with the whole post dates scare thing. I think it's pretty common that dates are incorrect, and then who knows if the baby is ready or not.

[georgia]

Thought this article was interesting from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all pregnancies continue to at least 42 weeks' gestation.

It seems to me that 42+ is still a variation of 'normal.'

[sarabug]

I am not really worried. EVERYONE else is. I have a doppler and listen to the baby weekly. I have had a NST and it was perfect. I did not UP, well I had care till 36 weeks. I was induced with 3 of my 4 children for post date 42 week average and my last was an accidental UC at 43+ weeks. I was charting so I am pretty positive of my dates. Emotionally I am OK however I would really like to wait to have her till DH is off for 2 weeks starting on the 21st, so maybe I am subconsiously holding off labor.

[Marlet]

Wanted to add to the smaller babe stories (cause we all know you're hearing "what if the babe gets too big"):

DD1- 7-11 days over (depending on edd...leaning more towards 7) and weighed 6 lbs. 10 ounces
DD2- 2 days over and weighed 6 lbs. 13 ounces.

I'd love to have a bigger babe but at the rate I'm going I'd have to go way way over.

[erin_brycesmom]

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.

Aren't women responsible for their choices regardless of whether or not a pregnancy goes to term, post term, pre term, etc? We are always responsible for the choices we make. We don't become more responsible once a certain week has passed.

[rajahkat]

Sarabug, it sounds totally normal for you, based on what you said about your previous pregnancies.

If it weren't a normal pattern for you (like you had gone closer to 40 weeks with 4 previous babies, and THEN went to 43) I might think odd positioning or lax uterine tone....something along those lines that could be holding up labor.

But based on your history, I honestly wouldn't be worrying AT ALL!

I think it's important to remember when taking into account "average" pregnancy length, that very few pregnancies are "allowed" to carry on past a certain length. So when left alone, probably many more women would naturally carry to 43/44 weeks than we see simply because they have care providers who induce prior to that.

~Kat

[barefoot mama]

I had 5 pregnancies go to 40 weeks. Then my 6th was 42-43 weeks. It was purely emotional- I just couldn't handle labor sooner than that. So I think it really is possible that you could be holding off so your dh will be around.

And I also agree that this sounds normal for you based on your other pregnancies. I would only worry if my intuition told me to.

[AlmostCrunchyMama]

I am aware each pregnancy is different, goodness nows all 3 of mine were.
That being said, again, speaking for myself, knowing the risks of the placenta becoming less and less viable ( did I spell that correctly? ) would worry me.
I would not be comfortable going past 41 or 42 weeks. I know exactly when my children were conceived. I have always been very sure of my dates.
I would be worried if I were in the OP shoes.
Support of a choice is not all or nothing. It is about knowing what the risks are, understanding and being willing to deal with the outcomes.
Offering the suggestion of going to a trained health care professional is just as supportive as offering " good vibes'.
I, just happen to think my advice is better.Again, IMO.

[Intertwined]

I respect that as your choice AlmostCrunchy, but where are you getting your facts? Who says the placenta just poops out at some predetermined point? OP already said she had a NST and passed it with flying colors, so obviously her placenta is functioning properly.

[rajahkat]

Yes, she passed the NST. What exactly is the care provider going to DO? Is there really anything they do beyond pushing for induction or in the case of a hands off natural birth trusting provider pat your hand and encourage a let's wait and see approach? Is she comfortable with what the protocol is? If not, there isn't really much point in going to a CP. I'm not at all on board with the thinking that "visit to CP = everything will be then be fine with baby" It's never as cut and dried as all that or wouldn't we ALL go see the CP?

I totally understand what you are saying, AlmostCrunchy about not being personally comfortable with a pregnancy going that long. Personally, I would probably be freaking out if I made it to 41 weeks, because that just hasn't been how MY body works in my past pregnancies.

But projecting MY personal history and concerns onto another's situation isn't really accurate or helpful. JMO.

~Kat

[moodymaximus]

Originally Posted by rajahkat

Sarabug, it sounds totally normal for you, based on what you said about your previous pregnancies.

If it weren't a normal pattern for you (like you had gone closer to 40 weeks with 4 previous babies, and THEN went to 43) I might think odd positioning or lax uterine tone....something along those lines that could be holding up labor.

But based on your history, I honestly wouldn't be worrying AT ALL!

I think it's important to remember when taking into account "average" pregnancy length, that very few pregnancies are "allowed" to carry on past a certain length. So when left alone, probably many more women would naturally carry to 43/44 weeks than we see simply because they have care providers who induce prior to that.

~Kat

excellent points.

[Sourire_Smile]

Seems like you are doing everything right!

monitoring your BP and other health indicators.

Listen to your body, not the people around you trying to give "helpful" advice.

Good luck!

[AlmostCrunchyMama]

I am not 'pushing ' anything on to anyone.
Again, speaking for myself. I would want to know that everything was fine. With out outside help, it is not possible.
THE OP posted on a public board, asking when to start to 'worry'. My answer is now.

[georgia]

Hi, everyone Let's keep this from getting personal. We've had previous administrative/moderation issues with this thread, and I'd like for it to stay on the board. Any questions or concerns, please PM me. Thanks!

[Intertwined]

Not sure if this is too personal, so pull it if you want to keep the thread active Georgia.

I have to question advice of a poster who does not seem to be reading the actual information posted from those worried.

It could be prudent to get another NST Sarabug, if you feel it's necessary. But everyone bakes babies at different times. I hope you are feeling the first twinges of labor right now!