The latest official stats released by the NHS showed that 34% of labours were induced in the year to March 2021, compared to 21% in the year to March 2010. More recent data suggests that numbers are still going up. In some hospitals 70% of inductions are for post dates.
Here are 8 facts about due dates every pregnant mama should know.
1. Only 4% of babies are born on their due date.
2. 85% of pregnancies are longer than 40 weeks.
3. In the UK, induction of labour is offered to pregnant people from 41 weeks (sometimes earlier). 90% of expecting parents who choose to wait for spontaneous labour will give birth before 42 weeks. Only 1% will remain pregnant beyond 43 weeks.
4. According to WHO, full term is between 37 and 42 weeks, so there is no reason to focus on a specific date! A 'Due Window' stretching from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the estimated due date is therefore a much healthier approach.
5. In the UK, due dates are calculated based on 280 days (40 weeks) from the 1st day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This method of calculation is based on Naegele's rule which dates back to 1830.
6. In France, due dates are calculated based on 287 days (41 weeks) past LMP. The lack of consistency between countries shows that there is no exact science in any of these calculation methods. They are rough estimations. Unfortunately they are too often used as a hard threshold resulting in unnecessary interventions.
7. The error margin of early dating scans is believed to be +/- 5 days. If you know your baby’s conception date (tracking your ovulation day or with IVF), and would like to amend the estimated due date you've been given, it’s in your right to request it.
8. If you're feeling stressed or worried because you have just passed your due date and haven't witnessed any signs of labour starting, then your body is less likely to release oxytocin which is key for labour to start and progress. My recommendation is to stop looking at the calendar, and to start planning lots of feelgood (oxytocin boosting) activities such as a pregnancy massage or a reflexology treatment, a couple of date nights, walks in nature, etc.
Baby will come when baby is ready!
Key takeaways:
🌿Each pregnancy is unique, and the length of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. Most pregnancies go beyond 40 weeks and are still considered as 'normal'.
🌿 Babies grow at different rates, and their development may influence when they are ready to be born. Your baby knows when it's time!
🌿 Inductions may be necessary for medical reasons, but it's important to understand the potential risks involved. Discuss with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
🌿 Trust your body and the natural process of labour. Babies often arrive when they're ready, and letting things progress naturally can lead to a more gentle birth experience.
For more information about due dates and induction of labour, I highly recommend the book 'In Your Own Time' by Dr Sara Wickham.
