What if My Baby Isn't Born by My Due Date?
What happens if my due date comes and goes, and my baby still shows no signs of appearing?
– Martha
Only 5% of women deliver on their estimated due dates, and many first-time mothers find themselves waiting up to 2 weeks after their due date for their baby to arrive.
If you do not go into labor within a week of your due date, your doctor may recommend you receive a nonstress test, which monitors fetal heart rate and movement to make sure that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and that the nervous system is responding. Talk to your doctor to find out more about this test.
Sometimes Mother Nature may need a little coaxing. If your labor is not progressing, or if your health or your baby's health requires it, your doctor may induce labor by artificially rupturing the membranes or by administering the hormone oxytocin or other medications. If your pregnancy is high risk, or if there are any other potential complications, you may require a cesarean section delivery.
For more information, check out these articles.
A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Calendar
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
Inducing Labor
Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)
Epidurals
10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2006
Have a question? Email us.
We regret that we can't reply to any email inquiry. Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.