What should you know about overdue delivery pregnancy?

Pregnancy dating is based on the last menstrual period, early scans and the information available to your maternity team. An estimated due date is not a promise that labour will begin that day. As pregnancy continues, the team may review movements, growth, fluid around the baby, the placenta and your blood pressure. The plan depends on dating accuracy, examination findings, your preferences and any medical conditions.

Keep in contact with your maternity team and attend recommended checks. Contact them promptly if your baby’s movements change, even if you have a later appointment. Discuss what monitoring involves, how long waiting may be reasonable for you, and whether induction of labour is advised. A membrane sweep is an examination-based option that may be offered after discussion and consent; it can cause discomfort, cramping or spotting.

Contact maternity services immediately if movements are reduced or changed, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, severe abdominal pain or you feel acutely unwell. Do not wait for the next routine review when a warning sign appears.

Ask how your due date was established, what monitoring is planned, how your baby’s movements should be assessed, what induction would involve, and what signs mean you should return urgently.