QuestionI went to MD 5days past my due date. This is my first child. The baby's head is where it's suppose to be. The MD said I was 60%effaced and 1cm dilated. Then wanted to discuss induction. Is there any chance I will go into labor on my own, and how common is this?
AnswerDear Judy,
Yes, you very well may go into labor on your own. However, it tends to be dangerous for a fetus to remain in the uterus for more than two weeks beyond its due date. The placenta can only function effectively for a certain amount of time. After 42 weeks, it apparently gets too old to function adequately and then the fetus cannot get the oxygen/nutrients needed. Perinatal mortality increases significantly with each week after the 42nd week.
If fetal size determinations indicate correct dating, most OB doctors will begin to look at inducing women if they are slow to dilate/efface on their own past the 40th week.
Fetal problems which can occur from a post-mature pregnancy include:
- Ossification of fetal skull making moulding of baby's head during the birth difficult or impossible
- Macrosomia (a large baby) which can cause: CPD (cephalic-pelvic disproportion or head too big to fit through pelvis), shoulder dystocia (shoulders get "stuck" upon delivery), cephalhematoma and/or subdural hematoma, fractures and palsies (nerve damage causing paralysis resulting from difficult assisted/forceps delivery)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Polycythaemia (higher number of red blood cells) causing a higher risk of jaundice
- Hypothermia (low body temperature) because fetus has used up its fat stores
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
