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post-term pregnancy

overview

most pregnancies last 37 to 42 weeks. your pregnancy is post-term (or post-date) when you are at 42 or more weeks. when you get to 40 weeks, your doctor will look at your health and the baby's health and decide whether to wait for natural labour.

you may have tests to make sure everything is okay. if you and the baby have no problems, you may be told to wait for natural labour. but if the doctor or midwife thinks it would be safer for you and your baby if you deliver sooner rather than later, then you may get medicine to start (induce) your labour. if the medicine doesn't start your labour or labour doesn't keep going, you may have a caesarean section (c-section). this is surgery to deliver the baby.

credits

current as of: july 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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