As soon as you find out you are expecting a baby, you figure out your due date — the day your little one is expected to arrive. It is a date that will be near and dear to your heart for 9 months, as you count down with anxious anticipation. While your due date may seem like a deadline of sorts, it is important to remember that it is only a projection. Your baby could arrive 2-3 weeks prior to your due date or up to 2 weeks afterwards. High Desert women may feel disappointed and anxious as they watch their due date come and go. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we offer these tips to Apple Valley women who are nearing the end of their pregnancies.
What Should I Do if I am Past My Due Date?
Try not to get too upset, too nervous or too frustrated. Your due date is simply an estimation of when your baby will arrive based on your last menstrual period. You are near the end of your pregnancy, and your baby will arrive when he or she is ready. It is not uncommon for babies to come a little bit late — only 4 percent of babies are born on their actual due date. Try to relax and enjoy the last few moments of your pregnancy.
Choose a few activities to enjoy that you will not be able to do once your baby arrives. Go out and see a movie with your partner. Schedule a lunch date with a friend. Enjoy a couple of guilt-free naps. When you keep your mind and body occupied, you will not have time to sit around thinking about the fact that you are not in labor. These activities will help you relax, which is beneficial for both you and your baby.
Talk with your health care provider about possibly inducing labor. Your OB/GYN can provide you with natural ways to kick-start labor, or you can discuss your options for a medical induction. Remember that it is preferred to go into labor naturally, but your OB/GYN will help you make a decision that is right for you and for your baby.
As your due date draws near, you will have more frequent prenatal visits with Dr. Ahmadinia. During this time, you can discuss anything you are experiencing — from emotional stress to physical discomfort. Dr. Ahmadinia will work with you in order to help you best prepare for labor, delivery and the arrival of your precious new baby. This is an ideal time to discuss your birth plan and to gain a better understanding for what will happen in the delivery room. For more information, contact us at Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN today.
