What is post-term pregnancy?

A post-term pregnancy is one that lasts 42 weeks or longer. Women who are having a baby for the first time or who have had post-term pregnancies before may give birth later than expected. However, the most common cause of post-term pregnancy is an error in calculating the due date. When a post-term pregnancy truly exists, the cause usually is unknown. Source found here.

Wondering if Low-Fluid Levels and / or a Big Baby Are Good Reasons to Induce?

At 40 or 41 weeks gestation, your provider might suggest that you have another ultrasound to determine the amount of amniotic fluid that is available for baby even though this measurement is a poor predictor of actual amniotic fluid volume. Many studies show that inducing labor because of a low fluid level does not have any beneficial effect on the outcome for mother or baby. 

Doctors are concerned that a mother giving birth to a large baby will have trouble birthing the shoulders. About 8 in 100 babies near 9 pounds may need help from the doctor or midwife for their shoulders to be born. An induction or c-section does not reduce this risk. Read more about "big baby" inductions. Please note that the only way to really weigh a baby or measure is to do so after birth and not with an ultrasound.
 

The Importance of the Bishop Score

If you allow your provider to perform a cervical exam at 40 and 41 weeks gestation, they are checking for your Bishop Score, which considers many factors to measure the likelihood of a successful induction. Some providers will strongly suggest an induction around 41 weeks gestation even if the Bishop Score is unfavorable to an induction of labor. Ask your provider questions and consider all options available to you for the birth of your baby.

This up-to-date article from Evidence Based Birth is an excellent resource regarding inductions and estimated due dates.

Many "overdue" babies are in a posterior position which does not cause the efficient kind of pressure on the cervix so that it can thin and dilate, and so the body wisely does not go into labor yet. Forcing the issue by inducing labor when the baby is posterior (or has other malpositions) may result in a long labor that could end in a c-section with longer postpartum healing and breastfeeding challenges.

Ripen Your Body To Prepare for Induction

It’s often said that what gets the baby in, gets the baby out. When you’re past your estimated due (guess) date or are approaching the induction date, plan for a special date night of dinner, massage, and sex - it's probably going to be the last evening like it for a while. :-)
 

Pregnancy Massage

Not only does massage help to relieve muscle tension but it also helps labor to begin by releasing oxytocin. When the body is relaxed and in a safe place, the natural hormone oxytocin is produced through physical touch and skin-to-skin contact. We recommend Renee Kimes and her staff at Pregnancy Massage Center in Oakhurst/Decatur, GA.

The feet and ankles have multiple pressure points that can trigger labor! The good news is that everything you do to try to induce labor naturally causes the body to ripen and prepare for a medical induction. It all adds up and if baby and the pregnant person are both healthy, each day that you wait to induce will make the medication more likely to work and help you have an easier labor and childbirth.
 

Stripping / Sweeping Membranes

If you consent to a vaginal exam at the end of term, ask your care provider if they plan to also strip your membranes. Stripping or sweeping membranes can cause your uterus to become really irritable and contract irregularly. You may lose sleep because of painful contractions that are not part of early labor. Also, membrane sweeping/stripping can cause bleeding.

In this video, you will learn:

• The benefits and cons of membrane sweeping

• Why you have the right to informed consent/refusal with membrane sweeping

Nipple Stimulation

Many report that nipple stimulation can cause labor to begin. This works by releasing the body's natural oxytocin and causing contractions. It works better when your cervix is soft and can comfortably be done using a electric breast pump. Using your hands can cause irritation and difficulties breastfeeding later on. Learn more about nipple stimulation here.
 

Acupuncture

The release of endorphins and oxytocin initiates labor. We encourage our Atlanta clients to visit Jim Gordon at Intown Acupunture in Oakhurst to receive his therapeutic prenatal treatments. MANY of our clients experience spontaneous labor after only one or two visits! Jim's calendar books quickly so if you're at 40 weeks gestation, you may wish to schedule an appointment to take place a few days before week 41 and again for a few days after.

If you’re in St. Pete - Tampa, check out Thank You Mama - sometimes you’ll need to book service weeks in advance!

Watch the video below to learn how to apply pressure to the key points on the body that can induce labor and create consistent contractions.

Evidence of Natural Induction Methods

Natural labor induction methods are not a commonly addressed topic in medical literature, although studies do exist on the efficacy and safety of some common strategies. Before you consider inducing labor on your own, it's essential that you talk to your physician. They will be able to decide if it's safe for you to try inducing labor naturally, and they'll also be able to give you a thumbs up or thumbs down on your method of choice.

Can eating pineapple help induce labor contractions? What about having sex? Is that really effective for starting labor? Read the transcript or listen to this podcast by Evidence Based Birth.

AROM, Amniotomy

The belief behind amniotomy in early labor, to induce labor, or to kick-start stalled labor before 6cm, is that breaking the bag of water using a small amniohook removes the fluid cushion between the baby’s head and the cervix, allowing more pressure to be placed on the cervix, resulting in faster dilatation of cervix. Often - whether artificially or on its own - the water breaking will encourage a rise in your natural oxytocin level, thus bringing on more contractions. Sounds great, right? 

Maybe not. Opponents of AROM argue that the amniotic sac and fluid play an important role in protecting your baby against the stress of contractions. Imagine trying to squeeze/crack an egg inside a filled water balloon using pressure from your hands around the balloon. Every time you squeeze, the squeeze is translated to pressure across the surface of the egg and it can move down and around as needed. Same concept with baby and their umbilical cord. That fluid can also make it easier for your baby to maneuver, should any additional maneuvering be necessary. Learn more here.