The question is what date do you think that the baby would have chosen?
Let's first take a look at the due date. The way to work out a due date (EDD - estimated due date) has always been to take the first day of your last normal menstrual period plus 7 days, plus 9 months and you have your due date. LNMP + 7 days + 9months = Due date (Naegele's Rule 1812). This is not evidence based. The problem with this method is that our memories are not exactly great, unless tracking your menstruation cycles. First trimester bleeding may be mistaken as your last period but may have been an implantation bleed. It also assumes that all menstrual cycles are 28 days and all women ovulate on the 14th day of their cycle. (1) When I was trying to conceive, I started tracking my cycle and ovulation by checking my temperature and discovered that my cycle was around 38 days and that I was ovulating around day 22. I used this information to help conceive, it is just a pity that I didn't use this information to help fight to keep my baby in longer. When we know better we do better.
The more accurate way is to have a 1st trimester ultrasound. The ideal time is between 11 and 14 weeks. Accuracy declines after 20 weeks.
In a study published in 2001, Smith looked at the length of pregnancy in 1,514 healthy women whose estimated due dates, as calculated by the last menstrual period, were perfect matches with estimated due dates from their first trimester ultrasound. The researchers found that 50% of all women giving birth for the first time gave birth by 40 weeks and 5 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks and 2 days. Meanwhile, 50% of all women who had given birth at least once before gave birth by 40 weeks and 3 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks. This means that for both first-time and experienced mothers in Smith’s study, the traditional “estimated due date” of 40 weeks was wrong! The actual pregnancy was about 5 days longer than the traditional due date (using Naegele’s rule) in a first-time mother, and 3 days longer than the traditional due date in a mother who has given birth before.
Study finds that estimated due date should be closer to 40 weeks and 5 days. (2).
My clients laugh at me when I ask them how they like their roast chicken? But often the recommended time on the recipe is just a guideline. We take out the chicken, poke it, sometimes it is done, but at times it needs just 5 more minutes. Although we can't take out our babies, check and then put them back in to cook if not done, we should really give them a chance to cook. Staying pregnant for 40 weeks is the best way to give the baby enough time in the womb to grow and develop. being pregnant is hard, but having a sick baby is harder.
What is considered full term vs. premature baby? Preterm is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. An early term is when baby is born between 37 & 38 weeks. A full term baby is born from 39 - 40 weeks. A late term is born at 41 weeks. Post term is born at 42 weeks and beyond.
A baby's brain at 35 weeks weighs 2/3 of what it will weigh at 40 weeks. Preterm birth is a concern because babies born too early may not be fully developed. Some problems may be seen at birth, but other problems such as learning disabilities, may appear later in childhood. A baby born before 39 weeks has an increased risk of breathing problems, likely to experience low body temperature and low blood glucose, experience feeding problems. Babies born early have more learning and behavioural problems in childhood than those born at 40 weeks. Each week of pregnancy matters even those last few weeks. make every week count and give your baby the best start to life. (1)
Is it worth It? Take a look at this video for more information.
I was chatting about the parents & Dr that delivered the baby at 37 weeks with someone from medical aids. I was asking if they should pay for the baby to be in NICU, as it was a result of an elective procedure. They gave the best answer, they said that it was not the baby's fault, why should they deny care to their newest client based on actions of others.
The foetus initiates labour which marks the point of optimum functionality - including the brain. The absence of labour means that the foetus has had no time for a successful transition from intra to extra-uterine life.
Respect your baby's decision on when it is ready for the outside worls.
References:
1. Expectant Mothers Guide 2017. Did you know the latest evidence. p65-66.
