Going Overdue: What Happens After Your Due Date?

Going overdue with my first baby was honestly one of the hardest parts of the end of pregnancy.

I went to 41 weeks and 3 days.

Every little cramp, tightening or change made me wonder, "Is this it? Is labour finally starting?"

And then nothing!

On top of that, everyone kept asking:

"Baby yet?"

"Any signs?"

"Still pregnant?"

I know people mean well, but when you're already uncomfortable, exhausted and desperate to meet your baby, those questions can make the waiting feel even longer.

What does overdue actually mean?

Your due date is an estimate, not an expiry date!

Pregnancy is generally considered full term from 39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days.

From 41 weeks to 41 weeks and 6 days, it's called late term, and from 42 weeks onwards, it's considered postterm.

Reaching your due date doesn't automatically mean something is wrong, but as pregnancy continues, your maternity team will discuss how best to monitor you and your baby.

Why does going overdue feel so emotional?

Because by the end of pregnancy, you're waiting for something enormous to happen.

You might be tired, uncomfortable, struggling to sleep and analysing every possible sign that labour is starting.

I remember wondering why my body wasn't doing anything. Was something wrong? Why wasn't labour starting?

It was mentally exhausting.

And if you're feeling like that, I completely understand. Waiting when you have no idea when your baby will arrive can be incredibly frustrating.

What happens after 40 weeks?

Your maternity team will continue assessing how you and your baby are doing.

Depending on your pregnancy and where you live, they may discuss checking your blood pressure, reviewing your baby's movements and arranging additional fetal monitoring or ultrasound assessments.

Some mothers may be offered a membrane sweep to try to encourage labour to start. We explain what this involves in Membrane Sweeps: What They Actually Do.

Will my baby move less because there's no room?

No, and this is something I really want you to remember.

Your baby's movements may feel different as they grow, but you should continue feeling your baby's usual pattern of movements right up until birth.

Please don't assume that reduced movement is normal simply because you're overdue or your baby has less space.

If you notice a reduction or meaningful change in your baby's movements, contact your maternity team immediately, even if you've already had a reassuring check.

When will induction be recommended?

This varies depending on your pregnancy, your country and your maternity service.

For an uncomplicated pregnancy, induction is commonly discussed around 41 weeks, although the timing may be earlier or later depending on your individual circumstances.

The reason is that some risks to you and your baby gradually increase as pregnancy continues beyond term.

That doesn't mean your pregnancy suddenly becomes dangerous the moment you reach your due date.

It means your maternity team will weigh the benefits of waiting against the benefits of recommending birth.

We explain the process itself in Induction of Labour: What to Expect.

What if I want to wait for labour to start naturally?

You can discuss that with your maternity team.

Ask what the risks and benefits of waiting might be, what monitoring they recommend and when they would advise reconsidering the plan.

And if you're sitting there wondering when your baby is finally going to arrive, I feel you! It can be absolutely exhausting. Hang in there, you're getting closer to meeting your little one.

Please remember to keep an eye on your baby's usual movements, stay in touch with your maternity team and make sure you understand your options.

And if another person asks, "Still pregnant?" you're absolutely allowed to ignore that message!

Read next

• Membrane Sweeps: What They Actually Do

• Induction of Labour: What to Expect

• The Mucus Plug: What It Means and What It Doesn't