I was told I wouldn't be going overdue. What does this mean?

**Soon2B Mummy16** · 26-07-2010 09:02

I am 37 weeks 3 days pregnant with an IUGR baby, he is gaining the smallest bit of weight but still not thriving. I was told last week (and several times before that) I wouldn't be allowed to go overdue. Which is fine with me because I'm happy to make it to 40 weeks. I know my exact period dates, etc. So the dates aren't off. And my son was born a year ago at 39 weeks 3 days, not sure of that makes a difference in the next pregnancy or not. I haven't asked into it further as I'm just 37 weeks what not going overdue means. But how would you translate this? I'm a public patient so every hospital visit see a different doctor. Do you think this means I'll be induced at 40 weeks or what? Thanks

**Baldie's Mum** · 26-07-2010 09:12

I would be asking the hospital next time you go in. I wouldnt leave without answers. You need to get yourself prepared plus your little family! xoxoxo Good luck with it all.

**SassyMummy** · 26-07-2010 09:50

I would assume that if they "won't allow" you to go overdue, it means they're gonna try and make you be induced/have a caesarean before your due date.

Before agreeing to anything of the sort, I'd be making sure I had a clear understanding of WHY they believed this was the best choice for myself and my baby, and also making sure that it indeed IS what is best.

If they just mean that they think you're going to go early, that might not mean anything. It was suggested I was going to have DD around 38 weeks. I had her at 42 weeks, and even then she had to be removed from me. She seemed to have very little interest in coming out... lol.

**Mrs Nietzsche** · 26-07-2010 10:01

It is my understanding that a baby that is failing to thrive in the womb is generally best off out of it (after a certain point) so weight gain can be caught up on and development catch up. I assume this means that they will weight up benefits of continuing the pregnancy v benefits of having baby out and intervene if necessary once there is more benefit to birth than continuing the pregnancy.

**mimsie** · 26-07-2010 10:48

As PP said, with IUGR bubs they tend to say better out than in, because they can control their nutrition and ensure they are getting what they need. My daughter was suspected IUGR and she was born via c-section on her due date exactly. I'd had a previous emergency c-section and due to their suspicion they didn't want to risk birth trauma with her, fetal distress or anything so we went straight for the op.

**MamaKoala** · 26-07-2010 10:59

I agree with PP's. I interpret it as they will induce by your due date because bub is failing to thrive and it is safer out than in. I would ask them to elaborate at your next visit and explain exactly what they want to do and the risks vs benefits of waiting for spontaneous labour.

**4babycinos** · 26-07-2010 11:02

My sister had 2 IUGR babies. She was induced with 1 at 37 weeks because bubs hadnt grown in the last 2 weeks and was behind in measurements and weight. They thought bubs would be better out than in, and was delivered weighing 5pnds and was in NICU for 2 weeks. Second one was induced again at 38 weeks for the same reason and weighed 5pnds again, and was in NICU for 1 week.

I think what your docs are telling you, is if bubs is still not growing in the next 3 weeks, that they will induce you. I would be getting them to explain it more clearly to you.

**amanda779** · 26-07-2010 11:47

i think they will try and induce you or get you to have a c section at around 38 weeks thats the magic number here so i am thinking that may be the magic number in a lot of place so by that you should have bubs by next week. it just depends on hospital policy i have a big baby apparently and they want him out around 38 weeks but i am not really sure i do
good luck i hope you get all your answers soon