Post-Term Pregnancy: Care Instructions
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.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Follow your doctor's or midwife's directions for activity while at home.
- Get lots of rest, eat well, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means you are soaking through a pad each hour for 2 or more hours.
- You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
Call your healthcare provider, midwife, or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have any vaginal bleeding.
- You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have pain in your belly, pelvis, or lower back.
- You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina.
- You think that you are in labour or are having contractions of your uterus with or without pain (6 or more in 1 hour).
- You are in your third trimester, and you notice that your baby has stopped moving or moves less than 6 times in 2 hours.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your healthcare provider, midwife, or nurse advice line if you have any questions or concerns.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter F375 in the search box to learn more about "Post-Term Pregnancy: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 9/14/2023
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
