Written By: Zaakirah Idrissu
Did you know that the longest documented pregnancy in the U.S was 375 days long resulting in the birth of a healthy baby girl in 1945? That’s about one year and 10 days pregnant which is 95 days beyond the norm! Many families have probably heard that pregnancy is about 40 weeks long based off of Naegele’s Rule invented in the 19th century. This rule is based off the 28 day cycle as the baseline for the calculation. It’s important to note that different variables are not equally considered which also impact a baby’s due date.
For many families the idea of being overdue increases anxiety. However the very term itself states estimated meaning it cannot exactly predict when a baby will be born. So why are healthy low risk mothers being pressured to induce labor? Families are also often uninformed about the risks of induction towards the wellbeing of the baby or the mother. This can lead to mothers questioning their intuition and internalizing doubts. However, instead of spending those last moments of pregnancy in anxiety or self doubt it’s important to be grounded and reframe this experience of being “overdue”.
First off it’s important to note that different babies are ready at different respective times for spontaneous labor. According to a research article by Evidence Based Birth regarding due dates, factors such as the mother’s level of education as well as the gender of the baby being male were associated with a lengthened pregnancy in comparison to other variables. This highlights the importance of individualized care. It’s also necessary to point out that healthy low risk first time mothers have often remained pregnant up to a week beyond the estimated due date!
So what’s to be done during this extra time pregnant? Expecting families should be intentional in choosing joyful activities! This is a time to finish any remaining important tasks in preparation for baby’s arrival, a time to bond more with loved ones before the newborn’s needs become the main priority, and to persistently practice self care.
Similarly doing something creative and meaningful can be helpful emotionally. Whether making a blanket or embroidering having such an outlet is very soothing. It’s equally important to continue healthy habits and monitor baby’s normal kicks and movement patterns. Mothers should also continue to eat as healthy as possible, maintain good posture, and remain active to the best of their abilities. By intentionally scheduling activities that bring happiness, mothers can cultivate cherished memories of bonding while patiently waiting to meet the newest addition to their family.
It is sad that mothers are being induced just for being “overdue” and when the induction failed, end up having cesareans that could have been avoided. It traumatizes mothers and babies.
What an important topic to write about. I’d love to learn more and encourage more mothers to advocate for themselves. Many women can also have delayed ovulation, like you said, the due date is just an estimation.
Great topic! EDD is exactly that, just an Estimated Due Date based on assumed calculations.
Great topic!
EDD is exactly that. Estimated Due date based on assumed calculations.
Very informative
well written
Very important for mother’s to know
Very important information
Beautifully explained.
This write-up reminds me about my first birth experience where I being induced by following the rules of 28 days cycle as the baseline of calculation.
Very interesting write-up.