Late birth
Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks (about 280 days from the first day of your last period). Most women go into labor a week either side of this date, but some women go into labor later than their due date.
If your labor doesn't start by the 41st week of pregnancy, it's considered overdue. You can calculate your due date using a due date calculator. However, every baby is different, and there's a wide range of what's normal for babies to arrive.
It's not clear why delays sometimes occur. You're more likely to be late if you're obese, have never given birth, or are over 30 years old.
Your midwife or doctor will check that both you and your baby are healthy by performing ultrasound scans and checking your baby's movements and heartbeat. The ultrasound may show that the placenta isn't providing your baby with as much oxygen and nutrients as it once did.
In these cases, your doctor or midwife will likely suggest an induction or cesarean section. If tests show your baby is doing well and you're healthy, you may choose to wait and see if labor begins naturally.
Most women go into labor spontaneously when they reach 42 weeks of pregnancy. There is a greater risk of stillbirth or fetal loss (your baby's health being at risk) if you are more than 42 weeks pregnant, but not every pregnancy beyond 42 weeks is affected in this way. You are also at greater risk of prolonged labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and rupture.
If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have labor induced, you should be offered further monitoring to check your baby's health.
How is my late pregnancy managed?
Your doctor or midwife may offer you a "membrane scan" to see if this will bring on labor.
This involves performing a vaginal exam, which stimulates the cervix (known as the "cervix") to produce hormones that may lead to vaginal birth. You don't have to have this—you can discuss it with your midwife or doctor.
If your labor doesn't start naturally after that, your midwife or doctor will suggest an appointment for labor induction, which is when your doctor or midwife uses medications or tools and techniques to start labor.
Induction is always planned in advance, so you can discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think labor should be induced. It's your choice whether or not to have labor induced.
If you're overdue, tell your doctor or midwife quickly if you notice any changes in your baby's movements (including an unusual decrease, increase, or complete cessation of movements). There's no evidence that eating spicy foods or exercising can trigger labor if your baby is overdue.