Generally the pregnancy lasts for nearly 40 weeks that is about 280 days from the 1st day of the last menstrual cycle.
Most of the pregnant women go into the labor within one week either side of the due date, but some pregnant women go overdue.
There will be some cases where there will be no signs of labor in 41 weeks. If you come across like this situation, don’t be worried and consult your doctor.
Membrane sweep
Membrane sweeping is sometimes called as the stretch or stripping and sweep of the membranes. If there is no sign of labor by 41 weeks of your pregnancy, your obstetrician will offer you a labor stimulation technique known as membrane sweep.
This technique consists of a vaginal examination, which helps in stimulating the womb neck to generate the hormones that may trigger the natural labor. When your doctor suggests this, you can discuss with your doctor about this and clarify your doubts.
Tests which are usually done at 41 weeks
Till you reach 41 weeks of your pregnancy, unless there is a problem, your general practitioner may not do anything. If you reach this particular week, your
general practitioner will do some tests to check the baby. These tests consist of biophysical profile and non-stress test.
- These tests may reveal the health and activeness of the baby and the amount of fluid. If everything is normal, your general practitioner may take a decision of waiting till you go into the labor on your own.
- These tests will also reveal if your baby is having any problem. Your doctor and you should decide if the labor induction is required.
Beyond 41 weeks
If still there is no sign of labor after the membrane sweep, your doctor will suggest a suitable date for inducing the labor. If you do not want this labor inducing method, and if your pregnancy progresses to 42 weeks or above, your baby and you will be checked. Your doctor will analyze that your baby and you are healthy by performing ultrasound and checking the heartbeat and movement of your baby. If the baby is not doing well, again your doctor will suggest the labor induction process.
Your choice
Always the labor induction is planned in advance, so you will be having the chance to discuss the benefits and disadvantages with the midwife and doctor, and just ask them why they wanted to induce labor in you. The labor induction depends upon your choice.
