You’ve been eagerly waiting 40 weeks for your little explorer, and yet labor still hasn’t started. Understandably, many expectant parents become impatient at this point—and perhaps a little worried. However, there’s usually little reason for concern, because the date noted in the Mother’s Pass is only a statistical estimate, and deviations from it are typically harmless. But what happens next if the estimated due date has already passed? Here you’ll 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 arrive sooner or later? The answer is sooner: Approximately 60% of all births begin before the due date or on the estimated due date itself. However, if your little explorer only arrives after the date scheduled in the Mother's Pass , that’s also no reason for concern: for example, 35% of all births occur 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 full term.

If your little explorer makes itself comfortable between 40+1 and 41+6 —up to 13 days after the estimated due date—this is referred to as a due date overrun . If more than 14 days have passed and you are in 42+0 , this is referred to as a post-term pregnancy .

What are the reasons for a deadline overrun?

It’s difficult to determine the estimated due date precisely. This is partly because the timing of Eisprungs is often not well known and because implantation of the fertilized egg can take varying amounts of time. Even when determining the due date using an Ultrasound examination , there may be deviations in the estimated date. In addition, each baby develops at a different rate —we’re not talking about differences of several weeks, but it can still influence the due date. Your Nutrition , lifestyle, physical condition, and individual hormonal balance can also influence when your baby decides to make its way. However, you can’t 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 go past the estimated due date, you’ll be examined more frequently from now on: expect check-ups every two to three days Preventive examinations for you and your baby. Your little one’s heartbeat and weight are monitored, a CTG is performed, the amniotic fluid is assessed, and your well-being as an expectant mother is evaluated. In addition, your doctor will discuss the next steps with you and explain the circumstances and timing in which induction of labor would be advisable . Several factors play a role, including the pregnant woman’s right to self-determination as well as the risks for mother and child associated with an 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 with overdue dates is labor usually induced. However, check-ups are now 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 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 will be recorded.

• 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 : Signs that you are now in the post-term phase include 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?

In a Transmission , it 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. In addition, the placenta may no longer be able to adequately supply the baby. Risks that arise during childbirth for the mother and baby are mainly related to the baby’s increasing weight. However, the risk of heavy bleeding during delivery can also increase due to an intervention. If induction of labor clearly benefits you and your baby, labor will be induced.

Babies who are born post-term (from pregnancy week 42+0) are examined for the following characteristics :

• Yellowing of the 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 signs of short-term under-supply , but generally are no reason to worry , since newborns recover quickly with targeted care.

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

Induction of labor refers to the artificial initiation 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 the findings are already favorable or still unfavorable, different procedures may be considered.

The following hormones play a crucial role in inducing labor:

Prostaglandin

Prostaglandins are important for cervical ripening. They can help initiate labor when used as a vaginal suppository, gel, or in tablet form. The hormone-like substance helps the cervix become softer and more elastic so it can open. If the findings are still unfavorable, vaginal gel is usually used. For it to take effect, you need to remain lying down for a certain period. In more favorable cases, prostaglandins are more likely to be administered in tablet form. Because these tissue hormones also stimulate other muscles, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract, side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur.

Oxytocin

If your cervix is already soft and ripe, an infusion with oxytocin can 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.

You may also have heard of these mechanical methods for inducing labor:

EIP solution

With this method, the Eihäute of the amniotic sac are detached from the cervix with a 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 is inserted into your vagina and presses on the cervix, which can also trigger contractions. Prostaglandins are also released during 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 once the amniotic sac has ruptured.

• Pregnancy diabetes : If you have been diagnosed with dietary diabetes and your values are stable, there is no reason to induce labor prematurely. However, an overdue pregnancy may 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 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 become necessary after the 37th week of pregnancy .

• 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 that may help encourage labor. They range from relaxing Abdominal massages to targeted Movement and even Sex . However, keep in mind that none of these approaches are a one-size-fits-all solution and that a due date overrun or post-term pregnancy can still occur. You can read more about home remedies that may help prepare your body for birth in our article on Induce labor .

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 an 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 discuss them openly with your doctor and midwife. We wish you a beautiful birth and a wonderful bonding time with your little explorer!