Monitoring at 40+ weeks

[alliemarg]

I was hoping to pick your brains - I am quite nervous about the risk of stillbirth increasing once you are overdue. I know it is a small risk but I'd feel much better if we knew we could have regular monitoring to pick up any placenta issues early.

My NCT tutor says you can have daily monitoring once you reach 40 weeks - is this the case? Anybody have any experience with this? Do you have to be quite vocal in order to get the health staff to agree?

I've never heard of routine daily monitoring in an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy before 41 weeks or 40+10. To be honest, I'd be surprised if a hospital had capacity to offer it routinely. I'd suggest speaking to your MW about your concerns. She might suggest induction at 41 weeks, rather than waiting until around 12-14 days overdue which is what your hospital probably does more routinely. Interestingly, induction at 41 weeks is associated with reduced stillbirth rates, as you might expect, but also reduced chances of a C-section.

I had a chat with my mw yesterday about my monitoring (I'm 38+5). I'm back in next week at 39+5 where I can have a sweep if I want it. Then she said I could have another sweep 2 days later if I wanted. Then I'll have another appt at 40+5 (if baby still not arrived) and at that appt they'll book me in for an induction at the hospital and see what happens ie whether baby arrives before. So whatever the case, they won't let me go over a certain point.

Thanks both, that's reassuring. Perhaps she meant if you went over 42 weeks there is daily monitoring, which makes sense.

It's good to hear there's a lot of midwife contact in the 40+ stretch, as it must be a good chance to listen in to the heartbeat and check generally on baby. Good luck with everything Heather!

Nope.

I'm 40+7 and last saw my MW at 40+2.

I'm booked in for induction at 40+14 and have no appointments at all till then.

I'm keeping a close eye on movements myself but that's about it.

alliemarg, from what I gather your mw will book you in for a induction at some point if you're over 40 wks so you will always have that 'deadline' where you won't be allowed to go over but I don't think you'll necessarily be in every day to that point. But they'll assume if you have any problems you'll call your mw or the hospital. I really don't want to go too late either! Hoping this baby arrives next week but no signs of anything yet.....

Thanks for the info. I think I may have got a bit mixed up, it sounds like they don't worry up until 42 weeks and then that might be where the monitoring comes in, if you refuse an induction.

Plus they are always there at the end of the phone if movements seem odd/erratic. Good look to both of you due to give birth shortly!