Some expectant mothers become anxious and restless after their due date passes, even letting it interfere with work and rest, wishing they could go to the hospital immediately for induction or a C-section. In reality, there's no need to be hospitalized for delivery or surgery just because the due date has passed.As long as prenatal checkups are intensified (every 3 days), the mother monitors fetal movements for normality, undergoes fetal heart rate monitoring to assess the baby's condition in the womb, and receives ultrasound monitoring to check amniotic fluid levels—all of which should be normal—hospital admission can be delayed until one week past the due date. If the mother typically has a longer menstrual cycle (>30 days), admission can be postponed for a few additional days.
Pregnant women who haven't delivered by their due date should avoid anxiety (Public Health Network)
Fetal development in the womb averages 266 days.Given that ovulation dates may vary, and fetal maturity and labor onset exhibit individual differences, only about 5% of women deliver precisely on their due date. Approximately 75% go into labor within the three weeks before or after their due date. Therefore, deliveries occurring between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation are considered full-term. Delivering after the due date is common and not abnormal; there is no need for excessive anxiety.
A pregnancy is considered post-term when labor does not commence two weeks or more after the due date. This carries risks such as fetal macrosomia (excessive fetal size) or a hard fetal head, making passage through the birth canal difficult during delivery. Additionally, post-term pregnancies involve high-risk factors like placental aging or diminished function, reduced amniotic fluid, and increased susceptibility to intrauterine hypoxia due to the fetus's inability to tolerate strong uterine contractions during labor. These conditions compromise the safety of fetal delivery.Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent post-term pregnancy.
Pregnant women past their due date should continue regular prenatal checkups. Once a doctor confirms the pregnancy has exceeded the due date by one week, the mother should promptly admit to the hospital as directed and undergo appropriate induction measures to ensure delivery occurs within 42 weeks of gestation.
Familiarize Yourself with the Delivery Room Environment
Anxiety experienced by expectant mothers before delivery often stems from unfamiliarity with the delivery room environment. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to visit the hospital beforehand to understand the delivery room setup. This not only prepares them for childbirth but also helps alleviate feelings of tension and fear.Equipment and instruments in the delivery room:
Delivery bed
The delivery bed is where the mother lies during labor. It features supports to assist with delivery, with sections that can be raised or lowered, and the footboard can be removed.
Fetal monitor
The monitor tracks contractions and fetal heart rate, providing real-time information about the baby's condition.Fetal monitoring is conducted throughout labor. Should any complications arise, surgical delivery can be performed immediately.
Oxygen Concentrator
During labor, contractions may reduce oxygen supply to the fetus. The oxygen concentrator increases the mother's oxygen intake and reserves, preventing hypoxia in both mother and baby while facilitating delivery.
Suction Device
This is prepared for the newborn. During birth, the mouth and lungs may contain amniotic fluid. While most infants expel this fluid during passage through the birth canal, some may require suctioning to clear the airways.
Suction device
This is prepared for newborns. At birth, the mouth and lungs may contain amniotic fluid. While most infants expel this fluid during passage through the birth canal, a small number may retain it. In such cases, a suction device is used to remove the fluid, preventing potential lung infections.
Incubator
Immediately after birth, newborns may struggle to adapt to external temperatures and lose body heat rapidly. Placing them in an incubator prevents hypothermia.