Are you still cooking in there, little bundle of joy? Waiting past your due date can feel like forever but hold onto those maternity pants – being overdue involves more than just a prolonged pregnancy. While most pregnancies that go beyond term are generally safe, there are important risks to consider.
First pregnancy nightmare
For Ziyanda Nelani from East London, Eastern Cape, being a first-time mother was a nightmare. In 2014, she went overdue without any explanation from the medical staff.
“When I passed 42 weeks pregnant, I got worried, and no explanation was given by the medical staff. This was the worst nightmare of my life.”
Ziyanda Nelani
She adds, “My daughter never cried at birth, which worried me. Yet, I am grateful that we both survived.”
Nelani explains that after her due date, her blood pressure wasn’t normal, which wasn’t safe for the baby. “I was rushed to the theatre for a caesarean section,” she says.
False contractions
At 10 months pregnant, first-time mother Lunathi Zake from West Bank, Eastern Cape, often felt like she was having contractions, but they turned out to be false pains.
“I think when you’re past due, every day feels like it is the day to give birth. I believe I experienced false contractions.”
Lunathi Zake
Another strange thing she noticed was when the weather was humid and grey. She says she would feel abdominal pains, which was mentally draining, worrying her for the safety of the baby.
“I did my research and found online that exercises like yoga and squats during pregnancy can help ease the process of giving birth,” Zake explains.
She believes that staying active helped ease her contractions. “This is something I will continue to do if I get pregnant again – to stay active during pregnancy.
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Complications in post-term pregnancy
According to Dr Katlego Lekalakala, who operates #Keready mobile clinics in Johannesburg Central and is the founder of Clueless Moms, some common reasons for pregnancies going past their due dates include first-time pregnancy, previous overdue pregnancies, genetic predisposition, a high body-mass index (BMI), and overestimation of dates leading to incorrect gestational age.
Lekalakala explains that some complications for a baby during post-term pregnancy include:
- Decreased amniotic fluid, known as oligohydramnios.
- Stillbirth.
- Respiratory distress due to meconium aspiration.
- Risk of in-utero infection.
- Macrosomia, which can lead to prolonged labour and injury, such as shoulder dystocia, potentially leading to nerve damage.
- Illness and even death in infancy.
The risks for a mother are:
- Increased risk of having a caesarean section.
- Increased risk of tearing during a vaginal birth due to the infant being macrosomic.
- Infection due to prolonged rupture of membranes.
- Death due to infection or post-partum haemorrhage.
- Emotional distress due to undesirable outcomes.
“If there are any concerns with the baby or the mother, delivery is required to improve their situation.”
Dr Katlego Lekalakala
Pregnancy needs attention
Lekalakala suggests a few techniques that can be considered if you are post-dates:
- Taking a walk and being mobile can promote contractions; however, take it lightly.
- Nipple stimulation can help release oxytocin, which promotes labour.
- Sexual intercourse can be considered, as semen has prostaglandins which can ripen the cervix and promote labour.
When a pregnancy goes past its due date and labour hasn’t started, intervention is necessary.
Options for induction include:
- Softening and ripening of the cervix: This is achieved with the administration of prostaglandins, either applied as a gel or a tablet inserted into the vagina. A balloon catheter may also be utilised, applying pressure to the cervix similar to the head, causing it to soften and dilate.
- Promotion of contractions: This is achieved through the administration of oxytocin or by sweeping the membranes and/or rupturing the amniotic sac, stimulating the body to release oxytocin naturally.
She says prenatal check-ups aren’t just regular appointments; they are crucial for both maternal and child health, and mothers should follow doctors’ orders in this regard.
“Do not try herbal medicines and backdoor remedies because you could put yourself and your child at risk.”
Dr Katlego Lekalakala
She adds, “Start sensitising yourself to the possibility of a caesarean section and request psychological support if you are feeling distressed by the situation.”
She notes that the key is to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
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