when to go to hospital?

[updaduff]

k - im a little down at the moment. Just came home from my hospital appointment. The hospital have always said my due date is on the 9th and so today was supposed to be my 40 week appointment.

When my DR looked at my paperwork he said that my due date had actually been the 3rd - this is based on my cycle information and then he said that they should of always used this date. Even though he has always been my hospital dr. but oh well. So today was actually 41 weeks.

So he examined me and said bubs is only half way engage and every thing is still ok. And then said that they will induce me on monday if i havent delivered by then. But then he said that i should make sure i go straight to hospital as soon as labour starts.

I really didnt think too much of that until DH said some thing in the car. DH took it as 'go to the hospital the first sign of labour' and we have always said that i would like to stay at home as long as possible b4 going into the hospital and have to labour there (i think i would like to spend time in the bath and my own home b4 going to hospital). So now we are both in different opinions. I just assumed he meant dont put off coming to hospital too long just because i am being induced and DH took it to mean come to hospital straight away because being overdue means that i'll have to be monitored more closely.

So in a very long way - im asking if any one has any experience about this - does being overdue make you more of a high risk and that they would prefer you to come straight into hospital at the first signs of labour so they can monitor you closely?

DH have come to the conclusion we will ring birthing suite at the first signs and explain what was said to us and get them to say yay or nay....but thought i would ask here also.

thanks if you have lastest this long through my epic post!!!!

[Tam-I-Am]

There's no reason that you need to go into the hospital sooner in your labour if you're overdue than if you're delivering before 40 weeks. So if you want to stay home for as long as possible and labour there, there's no reason not too.

Likewise, there's no reason to be induced now on the basis of an LMP due date, if you don't want to be. You can refuse induction, and ask for the baby/fluid/placenta to be monitored via doppler and ultrasound instead, if you'd prefer. Especially given that your ultrasound dates and your LMP dates don't agree, this is the route that I'd be taking, if it were me. Please remember that a NORMAL gestation for humans is anything from 38 - 42 weeks, so you're not even technically 'overdue' until you hit 42 weeks. Even by your LMP dates, you're still over a week away from that!

Don't do anything that you're not comfortable with without questioning it thoroughly until you're satisfied with the response.

Good luck!

[TeamAwesome]

I think calling the birth suite would be your best option. It may be they want you in there just in case but obviously I can't be sure.

Perhaps you could give the antenatal clinic a call and ask to speak to someone for clarification for the comment?

Good luck.

[Littlemissmetal]

Hi there,
I was in quite A similar situation, I was 41 weeks when I went in for my 40 weeks check up and they gave me an inducement date and I was told quite similar to you.
That afternoon I started to have light contractions, I rung the hospital and they told me to stay home as long as possible as I would feel more comfortable at home, I didn't go into hospital until 3 hours later, when Labour was actually really active, so I was able to stay home, relax (as much as poss) bath and shower until I felt ready.

I dont see why they would want you to go straight up to hospital with the first signs of labour as generally you will be sent back home until labour progresses anyway. I don not that if your waters break and the fluid isnt clear (but has greeny/brown tint to it) you should go straight to hospital.

I agree with everything Tam I Am Said also.