It has been a week since the due date, and the waiting time is longer than ever. Some may almost lose hope completely, but the majority of all pregnant women in Denmark have given birth by the end of the week.
The long waiting time
In Denmark, it is recommended that everyone gives birth within 42 full weeks of pregnancy. This means by the end of this week. Either labor starts on its own, or you will be offered various types of induction.
Induction is primarily just an offer, so there is no obligation. However, there are some risks associated with going beyond 42 weeks and experiencing what is called a post-term pregnancy. If you decline induction, you will be offered extra checks on the baby's and your condition. This way, there is at least monitoring to ensure that everyone is doing okay while labor is allowed to start on its own.
If you agree to induction, there are different options. This will be determined by you and the midwife during an examination. Here, they will look at how far your body is in the process, as well as the condition of the fetus and the mother, and of course, they will also listen to your or your wishes.
Read about your options at your place of birth on their website or consult with your midwife. It varies from region to region how things are done and on which days things take place.
What is happening in the belly?
The large fetus is ready, and not much is happening other than the baby bubbling around and waiting to come out to its parents. It is important that activity is still felt every day and several times a day.
Even though it can feel uncomfortable for the mother, as the large fetus can push its legs up into the ribs and similar areas, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Size of the fetus
The baby will not grow much in the last weeks, so it is around 3.5 kg and a length of about half a meter.
It is about the size of a large watermelon, and that is also the feeling one might have this week. As if you are carrying around a giant watermelon right in the middle of your belly.
Once the birth is over, there will be a lot of weight loss for the mother. Not only the large fetus but also the placenta, the uterus will shrink, the fluid in the body will decrease, and a lot of other things. This is something to look forward to as a soon-to-be mother, even though it doesn't happen with a magic wand overnight.
Advice for partners
The unbearable waiting time is tough for you all. People write to both you and your partner, and although it is all well-meaning, it can feel draining, as you want nothing more than for there to be a little child with you soon.
If it can comfort you at all, there will soon be a baby with you - it is a matter of days, and maybe a few weeks.
