What are the treatment options for overdue pregnancy?

The expected date is an estimate, and some pregnancies continue beyond it. As pregnancy progresses, the maternity team reviews your health, the baby's movements and heart rate, fluid around the baby and the condition of the placenta. The cervix also affects whether labour is likely to start soon or whether preparation is needed. Your clinician will explain the benefits and drawbacks of waiting compared with starting labour.

A Membrane Sweep is an examination in which a clinician separates the membranes near the cervix; it may cause cramping or light bleeding and does not always start labour. Induction of Labour uses medicines or a device to soften the cervix and begin contractions. Once induction starts, monitoring and examinations guide the next step. If induction is unsuitable or does not lead to birth, the team discusses alternatives, which may include Caesarean birth. Keep track of your baby's usual movements and attend every appointment offered.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if your baby's movements are reduced or changed, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, severe headache, vision changes or severe abdominal pain. Use emergency services for heavy bleeding, collapse or breathing difficulty.

Ask how your baby will be monitored, whether a Membrane Sweep is suitable, when Induction of Labour would be offered, how the cervix will be prepared, and what happens if induction is delayed or unsuccessful.