bundleofjoy

How long after your due date do they wait before they induce labor? A friend of mine is already 4 days past her due date and on medical leave because her baby is sitting on her pelvis, she hasn't had any contractions at all yet either. How long before they induce and take over for nature?

Seattle_mom

It really depends on the doctor. Your friend is lucky... so many induce on the EDD!

My midwives do not induce until 41weeks and 5 days, because they can't legally deliver you at home once you hit 42 weeks. That is induction with herbs and castor oil (which should only been done under the care of your medical provider), not pitocin. If you hit 42 weeks, you go to the hospital for induction. There is a danger of the placenta breaking down as you go past dates.

foolio

I always thought it was two weeks if you were to deliver in a hospital, home or birthing center. What happens if a midwide starts delivery at the time above but the labor lasted into the 42nd day?

downtime

Out here it's 2 weeks past. A normal pregnancy ranges from 38-42 weeks. I would be leery of doctors trying to induce sooner. I figure there's a reason the baby is still there. Maybe he's not ready to come yet.

BakingBigBabies

My midwife really surprised me in that they leave it a really long time. You get a none stress test at 41 weeks, then four days later a stress test. Then at 42 weeks another stress test, and they will give you a little longer still if they think you are doing ok and the baby isn't too big. Then it's castor oil, evening primrose oil on the cervix and herbs such as black cohosh, then finally the pit.

bundleofjoy

Wow two weeks is a really long time to be uncomfortable if your baby is rather big. She's already getting tired of being pregnant and wants to get on with it already, lol. I can't imagine how she'll be in another week's time. Her husband is never gonna want a second kid.