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Most providers won't let you get that far. Even my midwife practice had 42 as a limit.

It seems risky to go past 42 weeks. Did she have a dating ultrasound? Is she sure she is almost 42 weeks?

ETA: I just did some reading on this, out of curiosity. I think going past 42 might be okay, but I probably wouldn't do so without my OB or MW on board, as the consensus (AGOG, etc.) seems to be that it is a lot safer if you get an ultrasound to monitor fluid levels when you are going to go past 42 weeks.

@autumnlove: What is her reasoning for not listening to her midwife's advice?

I didn't have to worry about this because I went into labor early, but my midwife doesn't let you go past 42 weeks either.

@autumnlove: I hope she goes into labor soon too! I just can't imagine not following the advice of my doctors...

I went into labor the night I was 41+5 and had G at 41+6. I really wanted to have an all natural out of hospital birth so that 42 week deadline was really stressful! Has she tried any non medicated induction methods? I did 2 rounds of acupuncture that last week, had a foley bulb placed to put pressure on my cervix, and finally the day I went into labor did a castor oil and tincture induction as prescribed by my midwife. It worked and got me the birth I wanted!

Wow! I can't imagine going that long...I wonder if baby will be huge? I had DD at 40+6 after an induction and she was pretty big; I'm wondering if that will affect how long they let me go this time. If she's a good induction candidate (ya know, ripe cervix and all) then hopefully it'll be quick and easy and uneventful. I would be nervous to go past 42! (Maybe even 41? I think 41 is gonna be my goal if I'm induced again)

@autumnlove: My very best friend went to 42w1d. She tried everything, chiropractor, acupuncture, spicy food, DTD, walking, bouncing, you name it. She reeeeally didn't want to be induced after hearing about my epidural/vacuum/episiotomy birth.
Her midwife suggested she try the rootbeer/castor oil/peanut butter cup cocktail. It did the trick sending her into labor.

But she still ended up with a c-section.

My friend went into labor naturally at 41 + 4. She had an induction scheduled for two days later!

I've heard (although haven't really researched so don't take my word for it) that if you go past 42 the chance of stillbirth goes up, so that would worry me.

@autumnlove: As you may remember, I had M at 41+5. As long as she is having u/s to check fluid levels and placenta health I think it's fine to wait a little longer. Midwives are great that way. I was scheduled for an induction at 42 weeks. I hope your friend goes naturally soon!!!

My midwives group will let me go to 41+5/6 then ask you to do castor oil, at 42 they will induce. I did interview a few home birth midwives who were willing to let moms go to 43 if you agreed to an ultrasound for fluids and non stress tests.

My mom had me supposedly 4 weeks late, I was only 8 lbs 7 oz though so who knows. Fingers crossed for your friend though!

My doc pulls the plug once you get closer to 41 weeks, hard induction at 42 weeks. She said the risk is very small between 40-42, but it does go up, and for someone like me (blood clotting issue), that baby needs to come out. Ironically, E had hypertension, which is caused by being overdue, heh. So she would not have benefited from staying in another week

I'm all for holding out for a natural birth but at that point I'd insist on a BPP to check on baby and a membrane sweep.

Another induction tale I've heard: drinking lots of super concentrated red raspberry leaf tea (like 2L).