Serotinity

40 weeks and not yet given birth

Now that you've passed your due date, it can be scary to think about what happens next. Many women feel impatient, but it's important to know that it's completely safe to wait up to 42 weeks for a pregnancy. natural childbirthAs long as you and your baby are doing well and your check-ups are up to par, there is no need to intervene immediately. Your body knows what to do, even if it takes a little longer than expected.

It is completely normal to be pregnant up to 42 weeks

Many babies don’t show themselves until between 41 and 42 weeks. It’s perfectly normal that you haven’t given birth yet. While it can be tempting to want to do something as soon as you’re past 40 weeks, waiting without medical intervention until 42 weeks is a safe choice. Your baby may need a little extra time, and that’s perfectly fine. Up until 42 weeks, there’s a good chance that your body will induce labor on its own.

Stripping: A Natural Way to Stimulate Labor

If you would like to give labor a boost, stripping is an effective and natural method. Stripping involves an internal examination to feel whether you are dilated and if so, we can loosen the membranes a little from the cervix. This can cause hormones to be released that start the contractions. It is not the same as breaking the membranes. Without dilation, it is not possible to strip, but another attempt can be made two days later. Stripping is a safe option that often works within 24 hours. If it does not have an immediate result, we can strip again after a day's break. We can do this a maximum of three to four times, depending on how your body reacts. In this way, we try to stimulate labor in a gentle, natural way without medical intervention.

Waiting until 42 weeks is safe and responsible

As long as your check-ups are good, it is perfectly safe to wait until 42 weeks. During this time, there is still a good chance that labor will start naturally, even if you are already 41 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Although the hospital may sometimes suggest inducing labor earlier, you do not have to agree to this. In many cases, it is good to give your body the chance to give birth naturally, as this has several advantages over induction.

What happens during an induction at 42 weeks?

If labor has not yet started at 42 weeks, we will induce labor. This is necessary because the quality of the placenta does start to decline after 42 weeks. The placenta provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients and if it does not function as well, risks can arise. To ensure the health of your baby, we plan an induction after 42 weeks. Before 42 weeks, this risk does not exist and you can therefore safely wait.

An induction can be started in different ways. Sometimes, labor inducers are started immediately, but it may also be necessary to first insert a balloon to soften the cervix and open it up a little. The balloon is often inserted before you are 42 weeks pregnant, so that the induction can be planned on the day that you are 42 weeks pregnant. Please note: as soon as the balloon is inserted, the hospital will take over care and you will also give birth there. It is good to know that if you want to wait as long as possible for a natural birth, it is wise not to have a balloon inserted before 41 weeks and 5 or 6 days, so that you still have the chance to give birth spontaneously in those last few days.

The Serotonin Check: Preparing for a Possible Induction

Between 41 and 42 weeks we plan a serotinity check together in the hospital. During this check we will take a closer look at the health of you and your baby. We will also discuss the possible induction, so that you are well prepared if you have not given birth after 42 weeks.

Please note: During this check-up, the hospital may sometimes suggest inducing labor before 42 weeks. This is often taken lightly, as if it were standard procedure, but there is increasing research showing that natural labor has many advantages over induction. Although induction is sometimes necessary for medical risks, unnecessary induction can prolong labor and can be harder on both mother and baby.

The advantages of natural childbirth over induction

1. Slow build-up of contractions:

   With a natural birth, contractions usually start slowly and build gradually. This gives your baby time to get used to the birth. With an induction, the contractions can suddenly be much more intense, giving your baby less time to adjust.

2. Fewer medical interventions:

   In a natural birth there is a chance of interventions such as a vacuum extraction, cesarean section or making a smaller cut. This is because your body regulates the contractions at its own pace, and this often makes for a smoother delivery.

3. Own pain relief:

   During a natural birth, your body produces pain-relieving hormones, such as endorphins. This can make the birth more bearable and helps you to deal with the pain in a natural way. With an induction, the contractions often start much faster and more intensely, which means that you often have to use extra pain relief, such as an epidural.

4. Lower risk of complications:

   Because a natural birth is gradual, there is less chance of complications such as an increased heart rate of the baby or the need for emergency measures. With an induction, especially if the contractions are artificially induced, complications can occur sooner.

Our advice: Trust the power of your body

As long as your check-ups remain good, it is safe and responsible to wait until 42 weeks for a natural birth. Your body is designed to perform this task, and in many cases labor will occur spontaneously. We are here to support and guide you through this final phase.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together we will ensure that you and your baby receive the best care. You are almost there – just a little more patience, and before you know it, you will have your little one in your arms!