It seems like your baby has opted for a late checkout, quite a popular option judging by the numbers. Fewer than 5% of babies are born on their actual due dates — and around 50% decide to overstay their welcome in Hotel Uterus, thriving well into the tenth month. Remember, too, that most of the time an overdue baby isn’t overdue at all — it’s just that the due date was off. But your baby isn’t just lounging around in there, waiting for its big day. Your baby’s endocrine system is getting ready to produce stress hormones (you aren’t the only one who’s stressed!), which your baby needs to survive outside the womb.
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Common Symptoms
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Your water may break, and you may notice pink or red-tinged mucus (the bloody show) just before labor begins. Contractions start (early ones feel like an upset tummy or heavy menstrual cramps), then intensify, becoming progressively more frequent and painful, and generally (but not always) more regular. This could be it!
- A slowdown in fetal activity
- More frequent urination
- Bloody show or loss of mucous plug
- Cervical dilation or effacement
- Diarrhea or nausea
- Hemorrhoids
- Pelvic pressure and discomfort
- Fatigue or extra energy
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To-Do List
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- Join new mums and mums-to-be with the same due date or birth month as you. It’s a great place to make new friends and share your experiences.
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[fun-tip]
If you use makeup, even just concealer or a little mascara, by all means bring it along in your hospital bag! You would be surprised what a great pick-me-up it is to have a little color.
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Image: Essential Baby
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