Terrified of going overdue

[LolaStarr]

I'm only 28 weeks pregnant at the moment so still a while to go, however I'm really scared of going overdue and the risks that come with it. I had a late miscarriage at 21 weeks last year so I'm already terrified about losing this baby, and I can't deal with the thought of going overdue and risking having a stillbirth. It would absolutely destroy me. I'm going to speak to my consultant about it when I'm back with her next month, do you think there would be any chance of them inducing me once I get to 40 weeks if there's no sign of anything happening? I've already mentioned the possibility of a planned C section to her and she talked me out of it because of the risk of blood loss (I had a major haemorrhage last year and was really poorly for a while)

[BifsWif]

Please explain to your consultant how frightened you are.

The risks are small when you go overdue but that's not the point. The point is your anxiety. My consultant agreed to induction at 40 weeks for different reasons, I did have to push but I got there.

Be firm in what you would like, take someone to fight your corner if you need to. Good luck and I'm sorry for your loss

[orangebird69]

How old are you OP?

[LolaStarr]

Thanks bifs. She knows how nervous I am but she seems to think by the time I get to the point where I'm ready to have her I'll feel a bit better about it.

orange I'm 28, why?

[0hCrepe]

I was convinced my ds would be still born. Or even that I wasn't really pregnant. I think it was because my brother died and then I had a miscarriage. Hypnotherapy really helped with techniques to get rid of the negative thoughts. He was fine and is now 11!
I didn't know there was a link between going overdue and still birth anyway but it's your understandable anxieties you can address; rather than going overdue.

[DangerQuakeRhinoSnake]

Due dates are a fallacy really, don't place too much importance on it. Your due 'window' is actually five weeks long. All mums are different and have their own calendar.

[SecretMongoose]

The stillbirth risk is tiny and while it does increase once you are over 42 weeks, it's still tiny then and as far as I recall, linked with iugr (growth problems) more than the actual fact of being overdue. (I researched a lot when I went massively overdue with one DC to inform myself of the risks)
Do you know the risks of induction as well to balance it out?
I know someone who was induced early (38 weeks I think) because of anxiety, so it can happen, but there's no sudden switch at 40 weeks that makes the risk increase, honestly.

[orangebird69]

Hi OP. I asked about age as that is sometimes a factor when considering the performance of the placenta after 40 weeks, but only after a certain age.. 28 is no problem. I was 40 when I gave birth and was booked in for an induction on my due date because I was a 'geriatric mother' . Luckily ds came by himself at 39+6, after a lamb vindaloo . Please try not to worry but I would speak to your consultant about your fears. Hope all goes well for you x

[ittooshallpass]

Hi Orange, I was a 'geriatric mother' too!! Never met another one. Dreadful name to give a pregnant woman. I had DD at 42.

Sorry to highjack your post OP. Hopefully us 'geriatric mother's' give you some reassurance that all will be well. If the old ladies in the corner can do it, so can you, lol... 💐

[felineways]

Op I had very bad prenatal anxiety that didn't get treated. My son was 15 days overdue and it was really really hard on me.

Please speak to consultant about a plan, inducing or daily monitoring. However in addition look at some help for prenatal anxiety. Of course with everything you've been thorough your, anxious anyone would be. You've suffered a terrible loss, its only natural. You might find some one to talk to about your fears alongside making plans to limit going over due helps x

[rainbowrhythms]

Going "overdue" is totally normal lovely. They should only get antsy when you get to 42 weeks unless you have a medical condition. Don't forget that interventions like induction carry their own risks.

You will be just fine

[hanselandmarge]

Do you have a mental health midwife that you can be referred to? As they helped me get listened to when seeing my consultant.

I had anxiety issues.

[0hCrepe]

Ah I'm 'geriatric' now and have been told I can choose to be induced at 40 weeks.