Missed appointment and induction of labor

You have been waiting eagerly for 40 weeks for your little explorer, and yet the birth has not announced itself so far. Understandably, many expectant parents become impatient at this point – and perhaps a little worried. However, there is little reason for concern, because the date noted in the mother’s pass is only a statistical estimate, and deviations from this date are usually harmless. But what happens next if the estimated due date has already passed? Here you will find answers to all your questions about induction of labor.

From when is it considered a deadline exceeded?

A pregnancy lasts about 280 days on average or 40+0 weeks Your pregnancy week and the upcoming due date can, for example, be determined using our calculator.

Are you wondering whether most babies come sooner or later? The answer is sooner: Approximately 60% of all births begin before the due date. or until the day of the estimated due date. However, if your little explorer only arrives after the in Mother's Pass scheduled appointment on the way, this is also no reason for concern: for example 35 % of all births occur only within two weeks after the estimated due date. . About 5% of births occur later than expected. All births that begin between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy are considered mature.

Does your little explorer make itself comfortable between the pregnancy weeks? 40+1 and 41+6 – up to 13 days after EDD – still comfortably in the mother's womb, is called a Appointment exceeded . If more than 14 days have passed, you are now in the pregnancy week 42+0 , is from a Transmission the speech.

What are the reasons for a deadline overrun?

It is difficult to determine the estimated due date precisely. This is partly because the Point in time of Eisprungs often not well known is that the implantation of the fertilized egg can take varying amounts of time. But also in determining the due date using a Ultrasound examination there may be deviations in the estimated date. Additionally, each baby develops at a different rate – we are not talking here about several weeks of development difference, but it can still influence the due date. With your Nutrition , your lifestyle, your physical condition, and your hormonal balance, which is individual, also influence when your baby decides to make its way. However, you cannot directly influence the start of labor – even if some home remedies and tips promise otherwise. ;)

What happens after the appointment deadline has passed?

If you have exceeded the estimated due date, you will be examined more frequently from now on: Now wait every two to three days Preventive examinations about you and your baby. The heart tones and the weight of your little one are monitored, a CTG is performed, the amniotic fluid is examined, and your well-being as an expectant mother is assessed and checked. Additionally, your doctor will discuss the next steps with you and already now inform about the circumstances and the timing when induction of labor would be advisable . Several factors play a role, including, for example, the pregnant woman's right to self-determination, but also the risks for mother and child associated with overdue pregnancy.

For you as an expectant mother, this means:

• Pregnancy week 40+0 to 40+6 : If your pregnancy continues without complications, induction of labor is not necessary. Only in the case of Multiple pregnancies or Pregnancy diabetes In the case of overdue dates, labor is usually induced. However, now check-ups are being carried out every two to three days.

• Pregnancy week 41+0 to 41+2 : After weighing the individual risk associated with the overdue date for you and your baby, your midwife and/or your doctor may recommend an early induction. If you choose not to have the induction, the amount of amniotic fluid will continue to be measured every two to three days, and a CTG written.

• Pregnancy week 41+3 to 41+6 : Your midwife and/or your doctor will offer you an induction soon. If you still do not want this, you and your baby will continue to be examined regularly.

• Until pregnancy week 42+0 : That you are now in the transfer phase is indicated by a reduced amount of amniotic fluid, a greenish discoloration of the amniotic fluid, and decreasing fetal movements.
  Then, induction of labor is strongly recommended.

What risks can an transmission have?

At a Transmission should always be considered that the Risks for the baby increase every day . If the amniotic fluid decreases, it can possibly lead to a forced position and malformations. Additionally, the placenta may no longer be able to adequately supply the baby. Risks that arise during childbirth for the mother and the baby are mainly related to the increasing weight of the baby. However, the risk of heavy bleeding during delivery can also increase due to an intervention. If induction of labor is a clear benefit for you and your baby, labor will be induced.

Babies , who are born at a transferred due date (from pregnancy week 42+0) are examined for the following characteristics :

• Yellowing of skin, amniotic membranes, and umbilical cord

• Noticeably wrinkled hands

• Peeling skin

• Reddened labia or scrotum

• Very little cheese lubricant

• Reduced adipose tissue

These features are a Signs of short-term under-supply , but generally assume no reason to worry give, since the newborns recover quickly with targeted care.

How does the induction of labor work and what options are available?

An induction of labor is understood as a artificial induction of labor . Hormones or other methods are used for this purpose, which the doctor and/or midwife select together with the expectant mother. Depending on whether a mature diagnosis or an immature diagnosis is already available, different procedures may be considered.

To induce labor, the following hormones play a crucial role:

Prostaglandin

Prostaglandins are important for ripening. They can help initiate labor when used as a vaginal suppository, gel, or in tablet form. The hormone-like substance ensures that the cervix becomes softer and more elastic and opens up. If the findings are still immature, vaginal gel is usually used. For it to take effect, you need to stay lying down for a certain period. In more mature cases, the administration of prostaglandins in tablet form is more likely. Since the tissue hormones also stimulate other muscles, such as in the gastrointestinal tract, side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur.

Oxytocin

If your cervix is already soft and ripe, a Infusion with oxytocin to help induce labor . You may already be familiar with this method, as it is often referred to as a labor drip. The advantage of this method is that the hormone can be administered precisely through the drip, making overstimulation less common. Known side effects include Fluid accumulation in the body and issues related to fluid balance.

Perhaps you have also heard of these mechanical methods for inducing labor:

EIP solution

With this method, the Eihäute of the amniotic sac detached from the cervix with the finger , to mechanically induce labor. Prostaglandins are released during this process, causing the cervix to soften and eventually open. For this method to be successful, the cervix must already be slightly dilated so that the doctor or midwife can insert their finger.

Balloon catheter

A Balloon catheter filled with saline, inserted into your vagina and thereby presses on the cervix, which can also trigger contractions. Prostaglandins are also released in this process, and the cervix can begin to open. This type of catheter can stay in your body for up to 24 hours, but it should not be used if your amniotic sac has already ruptured.

Dilapan-S Rods

Thin Sticks made of plant material are inserted into your cervix – similar to a tampon. In your body, the sticks swell, creating pressure on the cervix. This method is used to induce labor.

What are other reasons for inducing labor?

The overdue date is considered the most common reason to induce labor. Aside from that, there are other circumstances that make induction of labor medically necessary. These are primarily:

• Premature rupture of membranes The guidelines specify that labor should be induced no later than 24 hours after the rupture of membranes. This is because the risk of infection increases with the rupture of the amniotic sac.

• Pregnancy diabetes : If you have been diagnosed with dietary diabetes and your values are stable, there is no reason to induce labor prematurely. Overdue pregnancy could also be considered. In the case of insulin-dependent gestational diabetes, induction is offered from week 40+0 of pregnancy.

• Preeclampsia/Pregnancy poisoning : Elevated blood pressure, increased protein excretion in the urine, and water retention are symptoms of the so-called Preeclampsia . Induction of labor may become medically necessary a few weeks before the estimated due date.

• Placental insufficiency : If the child is no longer being properly cared for, induction of labor may be necessary after the 37th week of pregnancy become necessary.

• Induction of labor upon request : According to the guidelines, a birth upon request should not be induced before 39+0 weeks of pregnancy unless there are medical reasons.

Can I support the induction of labor naturally?

To prepare your body for the upcoming birth, there are some home remedies to induce labor. They range from relaxing Abdominal massages about targeted Movement up to and including Sex . However, you should keep in mind that all these means and measures no one-size-fits-all solution are that a deadline extension or transfer can still occur. The home remedies you can use to prepare your body for the upcoming birth are discussed in our article on the Induce labor read up on it.

As you can see, there are various guidelines that regulate the management of induction of labor. We still want to emphasize that, whether an induction is due to a overdue or post-term pregnancy or for other reasons, the individual pregnancy history is always considered. If you have any concerns, we recommend that you openly discuss them with your doctor and midwife. We wish you a beautiful birth and a wonderful bonding time with your little explorer!