“Doctor, I’m 40 weeks and nothing’s happening.” It’s one of the most common concerns we hear at Flowrence.
You’ve packed your hospital bag. Your due date here. Everyone’s waiting. But your baby? Still comfortable inside.
Going past 40 weeks doesn’t always mean something’s wrong but it’s not something to ignore either.
This stage, called post-term or prolonged pregnancy, needs close monitoring to ensure that both you and your baby remain safe.
What’s considered overdue?
A normal pregnancy is 37 to 40 weeks. Anything beyond 40 weeks is post-term, and after 42 weeks, it becomes medically high risk.
At our pregnancy care hospital in Rajkot, we start evaluating overdue mothers around 40+3 days to plan whether to wait or induce labour.
Why do some pregnancies go beyond 40 weeks?
There’s no single reason. But we often see it in:
- First-time mothers
- Women with irregular cycles (miscalculated dates)
- History of previous post-term delivery
- Genetic factors (some babies just take longer)
- Underweight mothers or certain medical conditions
Your top gynaecologist in Rajkot will evaluate your full pregnancy record to determine the safest course.
What are the risks of waiting too long?
Most overdue babies are born healthy. But after 41 weeks, risks slowly start to rise:
- Decreased amniotic fluid (drying sac)
- Aging placenta – it may not deliver nutrients as effectively
- Meconium-stained fluid – baby may pass stool inside, which can be dangerous if inhaled
- Bigger baby size – increasing chances of difficult labour or C-section
- Cord complications or fetal distress
At our maternity centre, we never let these risks build silently. Monitoring becomes daily or alternate-day if you’re post-due.
How do we monitor overdue pregnancies?
Here’s what we do at Flowrence once a mother crosses 40 weeks:
- NST (Non-Stress Test): Tracks baby’s heart rate and movement
- Ultrasound: Measures fluid, placenta, and baby weight
- Cervix check: Assesses readiness for labour
- Doppler scan: Evaluates blood flow between placenta and baby
These help us decide: Should we wait, or should we induce?
What are the signs that labour is approaching naturally?
- Loss of mucus plug
- Lower belly pressure
- Back pain
- Water breaking
- Regular contractions
If your cervix is soft and slightly dilated, we may give you a few more days with close observation.
If not, and especially after 41 weeks, your doctor may recommend labour induction using medications or membrane sweeping.
Final Word
Your baby isn’t on a deadline but your body does need a plan.
Going a few days past due is common. But post 41 weeks, decisions must be based on data, not dates.
You deserve clarity, and your baby deserves constant monitoring.
Let our top gynecologist in Rajkot help you cross the finish line peacefully, not anxiously.
