https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:21:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2433128 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 12:51:58 +0000 DesertDreams88 2433128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ms. Badger: I've thought about it but he really is moving so much (thankfully!), and I have a doppler that I'm pretty proficient in using so I can check on things at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2433121 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 12:49:12 +0000 DesertDreams88 2433121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the input everyone! I called this morning and they didn't see the need for an appt between 40 &amp; 41 weeks :-/ part of it, I think, is my only chance would have been to come in today 9am-2pm or Monday, same timeframe.... so, pretty limited. So I'll just be using my doppler and doing kick counts 3 times a day most likely. I've been guzzling water for the past month to keep my fluid levels up, and the ice water makes baby move so that's a bonus. Had some more mucus plug pass this morning so here's to hoping...</p> <p>@sslm: As for the timing of induction, first we were talking about early (39ish wks) due to size, then 40+1, then 40+4 or 40+5 sounded much more firm, and now it's 41 weeks. </p> <p>As for risks, these are the ones that increase weekly after 37 weeks (though minimal):<br /> Infection of membranes or uterus, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, C-section, a non-reassuring fetal heart rate (my baby already has an arrhythmia), forceps or vacuum assistance, 3rd or 4th degree tears, meconium in waters, NICU admission, large birth weights, low Apgar scores, low fluid, and dysmaturity syndrome (growth restriction plus muscle wasting). </p> <p>That info is from evidencebasedbirth.com. Again, very small numbers though... but factually, 41 weeks is riskier than 40 weeks. </p> <p>Rationally, though, I have very little risk factors for complications. My only risk factors are having PCOS, being a FTM, and a bit of a larger weight gain (40 lbs, which I know is well within the range of normal but not reccommended). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2433016 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:49:54 +0000 sslm 2433016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: now that you say that, I think that's what happened with me, u/s at 41 weeks. Then had another one on 41+4 in the morning followed by an appointment with my midwife, followed by labor a few hours later :)</p> <p>Midwives were not concerned about any extra monitoring until 41 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2433012 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:47:56 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2433012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my town, if you see the OBs they pretty much induce at 41 weeks no matter what. It's very hard to get an early induction and they don't like to go later then 41 weeks. </p> <p>I was with the midwives who will go to 42 weeks. They said statistically the safest time to have a baby is 41 weeks. The risks increase by 42 weeks. I told them I want to be induced at 41 weeks, no question. I had appts scheduled for 39, 40 and an ultrasound at 41 weeks. Which I told them I'm not going to that, my baby is coming out that day. </p> <p>Anyways, I had him at 39 weeks 4 days so I didn't have to worry about an induction. But it seemed like they didn't start extra tests until 41 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432997 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:35:06 +0000 youboots 2432997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You have every right to call. Your concerns are valid. I had an emergency/unplanned induction at 39w so I can't speak to care after 40 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432937 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:05:54 +0000 mamabolt 2432937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an appt at 39w5d and again at 40w5d. At that pop they scheduled induction for 42w with NST at 41w and 41w4d. I ended up in labor before the first NST. I think after 41w monitoring is reasonable to expect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432677 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 08:55:10 +0000 Grace 2432677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: My body didn't get the memo either. It's frustrating - I couldn't wait to get her out so that I could SEE that everything was ok. I hope things get going for you soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432617 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 08:18:45 +0000 littlebug 2432617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With D, I was seen at 40w, then not again till I went to the hospital on my scheduled induction date at 41w. No NST, not even a discussion of one. At my previous appointments, I was not making any progress whatsoever, so I didn't feel the need to get checked again in that week jut to be told I still wasn't progressing. And I hadn't - when I checked into the hospital, I was still barely effaced and 1cm dilated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432536 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:23:09 +0000 regberadaisy 2432536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: I would be upset to in your position. I would be annoyed at our unresponsive my OB is, especially given your history. If you want to be seen to alleviate some concerns, then by all means, call! I don't think you want to go into labor with all these fear.</p> <p>Do you have an induction schedule for 41 weeks? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432528 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:16:45 +0000 sslm 2432528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: I don't remember exactly the timing, but I went into labor at 41+4 and between 40 and 41+4 I had two u/s to check fluid levels. I would at least push for that given your anxiety. </p> <p>That said, 40+5 is really not that unusual for an induction, and when I was being scheduled for an induction I was told the same thing as you, that women in natural labour would take precedent and that it could keep getting bumped. Thankfully I went into labor before my induction date, so I never had to experience that frustration.</p> <p>I would definitely give your OB a call and discuss getting an u/s to calm your fears a bit. I'm not sure where you're getting your info that going past 40 weeks increases any risks of anything. I'm fairly certain that it's past 42 weeks that they start to worry... Maybe that's something you should talk to your OB about as well. It sounds like you just need some reassurance that everything is normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432506 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 06:25:07 +0000 FaithFertility 2432506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: awww I am am so sorry!<br /> In was 40 weeks and had low AF and was a nervous wreck!<br /> I would call and go in for an NST every day because my anxiety was so bad also due to IF and losses!</p> <p>I was too scheduled for an induction at 41weeks but gnarly gave birth at 40+3<br /> I pray this baby comes soon for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432490 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 05:52:15 +0000 Pumuckl 2432490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you feel like you'd be less anxious when getting seen then by all means get checked out. </p> <p>My first was born on 41+2 without an induction. I had to go to the hospital every 3 days following 40+0 to get checked out. They would have started an induction at 41+3 with cytotec (sp?). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432484 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 05:31:04 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2432484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pregnancy anxiety sucks and coupled with being overdue is a recipe for high running emotions. Every day I went past my due date I worried about how being late would impact the baby (I went the full two weeks that my midwives allowed, hoping that my body would go into labour). There were lots of tears. Even though the hospitals do need to prioritize patients in active labour, we were still able to book an induction date and then my midwife just called in on the morning I was to be induced to make sure the room was available, then once you're in there and hooked up, you have the spot. (At my hospital anyway). The booking process only took about two days. As others have said, they might be waiting a few more days before they consider you overdue and get their act together about monitoring and booking appointments for the induction, which is definitely frustrating for you, but just so you know where they might be coming from. </p> <p>Personally, I would call the doctor's office to try and get another appointment. I had bpp ultrasounds every few days after 40+3 weeks to check on the baby (blood flow, fluid level, heart rate). On your end you can make a point to monitor movement and if you ever feel anything concerning then you can always go to the ER and get them to do an ultrasound I assume. So maybe do that if your doctor isn't being great at addressing not your concerns about monitoring. Advocate for yourself and don't feel crazy or anything! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432416 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:20:14 +0000 antigone 2432416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would be very concerned, and I would absolutely call and continue to call until I had an appointment scheduled. You are right to be concerned because the risks do go up. </p> <p>I was induced only a day past my due date. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't informed my doctor the baby wasn't moving as much anymore, which was then confirmed with an NST. At that point they said I needed to be induced immediately due to low amniotic fluid and decreased fetal movement. </p> <p>My baby's health comes first. I would not care if the doctor or his office thought I was a lunatic. And I would do ANYTHING that I needed to do if I had concerns. Point blank. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432408 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:04:42 +0000 LindsayLou 2432408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think bottom line, if you're concerned, push for another appointment. If for no other reason, then to give you peace of mind. I think that's totally reasonable.</p> <p>For what it's worth, my midwife practice didn't do non stress tests and ultrasound as routine practice until 41 weeks. I had a midwife appointment at 40 +1, maybe an inch dialated, and they wanted me either get baby checked out at 41 weeks or schedule an induction. I went into labor the very next day, and baby was born at 40 +3.</p> <p>Hang in there! You're almost there. Even though it feels like an eternity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432403 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:51:04 +0000 Finfan 2432403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@coopsmama: @sapphire: I was under the impression it was standard to do NSTs after 40 weeks. I had one at 40+2 with my first and had one scheduled for every 3 days after that. Would have been induced at 41w if she hadn't come by 40w5d. </p> <p>To the OP: I would request an appointment if it would give you peace. I know I wanted both my babies OUT at the end. The second cooperated better arriving at 39w0d. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432398 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:35:13 +0000 coopsmama 2432398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: Honestly I think your concerns are justified. A few have replied to my post saying that testing isn't done for their practice until 41 weeks but I have had two babies go late (one 5 days and one 13) and they've both shown signs of being more than ready - 9lb plus babies and my second had cracked, dry skin. I've been thinking a lot about what I will do with our current pregnancy and I think I will take an induction as soon as it's offered this go around. I think for a first baby going around 5 days late is normal but I hope they take your concerns seriously and at least do some sort of test between now and 41 weeks so that you can feel comfortable going into either labor naturally or via induction. Give them a call and request an appt if need be. Good luck. :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432393 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:29:36 +0000 Ms.Badger 2432393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly it sounds like your OB isn't listening to you so maybe you need to inflate some of the concerns you have - do you feel the baby moving enough? Do you feel light headed or like your heart is pounding? I can't remember what else they get concerned about near the end, but, maybe you feel a little bit like that? At my 40 week appointment, I mentioned that baby wasn't moving in the same way but that I still felt him and HOLY SHIT I had like 6 hours of non-stress tests just to be sure. They sent me on my way but I knew baby was good.</p> <p>I know exaggerating to your doctor isn't "good" but this anxiety isn't good for you or the baby either. Sounds like you'd just like some reassurance that baby's ok in there and I think you deserve it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432376 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:57:44 +0000 DesertDreams88 2432376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There's been several comments about waiting for baby to be healthy and that in retrospect this timing won't matter.... I appreciate the sentiment and understand the risks are minimal. However, like I said in my original post, the risks are increasing daily, even if they are minimal. My pastor's wife had a stillbirth 3 days after her due date, and that really shook me. Cause unknown but most likely avoidable with an induction if it had been low fluids or cord compression or heart issues. There's no guarantee and with fertility issues on both sides, I get freaked out.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432374 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:52:16 +0000 DesertDreams88 2432374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grace: yes I'm only 40+2. It's just that after with the amount of intervention that was needed to miscarry in 2014 and then all the intervention to actually have a cycle less than 60 days and then get pregnant and stay pregnant.... yeah. Just sometimes feel like my body just doesn't get the memo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432373 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:51:44 +0000 travellingbee 2432373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@coopsmama: With my first I went to Dr. At 40+3 and was told we'd talk induction at 41 weeks. No NST or discussion of one. I don't know when they'd have done one or even induced since I went into labor that night on my own, but it wasn't their protocol to do a NST at that point. </p> <p>@DesertDreams88: I know youre frustrated with your doctor, and they haven't communicated well with you. (But they are at the mercy of the hospital schedulers, so maybe the issue was with the hospital...) Call for an appt, even if it isn't standard practice. Tell them you are having anxiety and want to be seen. In the end, especially for a first with a non-favorable cervix, they'd always rather you go into labor on your own. Your body will do much better, and that makes it safer! Try to remember that even though these days feel like an eternity, they will not seem like they mattered much in retrospect, once your LO is in your arms. That's hard to swallow right now, I know, since I have been in your shoes. Lots of hugs and I hope the baby comes soon and makes this all a moot point! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432372 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:43:57 +0000 misolee 2432372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced and gave birth at 41 + 1 but had an appt at 40 +1 and a couple of days after that. Each time, I did a non-stress test and at the 2nd appt, an ultrasound to measure fluid levels. </p> <p>My scheduled induction was also at the whim of the hospital and how busy they were. For me, they called at 4am on a Sunday morning and told me to come in ASAP bc they weren't busy. I was sleeping when I picked up and so confused. I must have sounded off bc they then told me to come in before 6. </p> <p>Just remember 40 weeks isn't an end date. I know it's frustrating when 40 comes and goes and there's no sign but it's okay. I would also suggest walking :silly: </p> <p>Oh...but do talk to your doctor about not being seen for like a week. That's not right. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432365 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:35:35 +0000 coopsmama 2432365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sapphire: I'm not sure where you are but that hasn't been the case at all for anyone I know and we've all had different providers and have delivered at several different hospitals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432359 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:27:03 +0000 MamaCate 2432359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: I definitely think you should call and ask to be seen in the morning! I went to 40+6 with baby 1 and ended up with an induction. I had an appt at 40+2 and then again at 40+5 and they said they see you twice a week until delivery. It was good for me to have those extra days to warm up to the idea of induction and everything worked out.</p> <p>That said, the hospital does typically have to prioritize patients in active labor. My SIL had her induction pushed back 2 or 3 times with her second baby and I know it was really hard. But please try to focus on the goal of a healthy baby and know that these days will be a blur before you know it. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432357 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:25:35 +0000 sapphire 2432357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@coopsmama: Most places don't do NST/AFI until &gt;41 weeks unless there is a medical reason. "Overdue" is not technically until 41 weeks.</p> <p>You seem to have a lot of concerns, so I think it's very reasonable for you to want to be seen this week! It sucks that you got a variety of answers about when you'd be induced. Since your OB might not see you at the start of the induction, I'd go in this week so you can ask your questions about the process. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432356 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:23:57 +0000 Grace 2432356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went into labour at 41 + 6. I had an appt at 40 weeks, then 41. Then a non-stress test at 41+2, and an ultrasound at 41 + 5. I was supposed to be induced at 41+ 5 but like you, women in labour kept bumping me back. It's frustrating, but everything was fine. Plus, remember that you are only 40 + 2 (if I'm understanding you right). That's on time. You could go into labour in the next day or two and you wouldn't even be considered "late". Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432353 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:21:20 +0000 catomd00 2432353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and it doesn't matter if you're being pushy or not, it's your health and baby's health, and you're paying him! He works for you, mama. Call if you want! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432352 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:19:51 +0000 catomd00 2432352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Granted I gave birth at 38 weeks but my doc said after 40 weeks is be seen 1-2x a week depending on what was happening and have weekly NST starting at 40 weeks. They'd let me go to 42 weeks if all was well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432328 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:00:30 +0000 coopsmama 2432328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 41+6 with my second. I am really surprised they didn't have you come in at 40 weeks for non stress testing or a biophysical profile (I believe it's called, the details are hazy because of how far along I was hahaha). I had an NST at 40 weeks and a BPP at 41 weeks and then set my induction for the day before 42 weeks. I also had regular exams with my midwives during those last two weeks, too. My midwives really stressed that they were totally fine with me carrying as long as I wanted as long as I was monitored and to check that things were as they should be. </p> <p>I'd be irritated in your shoes, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ob-appts-after-40-weeks#post-2432320 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 22:54:44 +0000 DesertDreams88 2432320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I'm 40+2 today, no signs of labor. At my 39 and 40wk appt, I was 90% effaced and 1% dilated, with baby's head low and engaged (same thing??). Everything was good. Cervix favorable for induction.</p> <p>We discussed induction at both appts, which I'm totally fine with - I want this baby out &amp; healthy sooner rather than later, I don't care about interventions. Originally at 36 weeks the OB was talking about maybe inducing early due to size, and then at 39 weeks he said he wouldn't "let" me go up to 41 weeks, then at 40 weeks he started talking about the weekend (40+4/5) because the hospital was busy. He said he'd email me that evening, he didn't. I called his office on Wednesday, he was on call and didn't know the induction date. They said they'd call me back but didn't. I called today (Thursday), they still didn't know. Finally at 4pm I got an email saying that the hospital is very busy so my induction is booked for 41 weeks.... and technically that's just tentative, because "active labor patients take priority." I am SO frustrated because I feel like I was told one thing and he did another; and the finish line just keeps getting pushed and pushed into what I consider dangerous territory. I have a lot of pregnancy anxiety due to loss and infertility and it is growing each day. He knows this.</p> <p>Anyway, my last appt was on Tuesday (40 weeks) and I have no more appts scheduled, even though I'll be going up to 41 weeks. This freaks me out. I want to call and ask for an appt tomorrow but I don't know if that's ridiculous. It would be my only chance to see my OB before my induction.</p> <p>I think it would be good idea because I want my blood pressure, urine, and baby's heartbeat checked for healthiness. I also want my cervix checked and maybe he could do another membrane sweep. Lastly I REALLY want to discuss my concerns about his preference to use Cytotec over Cervidil (I tried bringing this up at 39 weeks and he downplayed my concerns, and I didn't explain myself well enough.)</p> <p>Is it typical / normal to have another appt between 40 &amp; 41 weeks? Do you think if I called and asked for this tomorrow, it would be too pushy?</p> <p>I have been frustrated to the point of tears every day this week due to the miscommunication and lack of an induction date, and honestly I'm kind of upset with my OB at this point which is not great timing.....</p> <p>Sorry for how long this is :( </p>