Once the woman's pregnancy is more than 7 to 10 days overdue, the caregiver will usually recommended some tests to assess the wellbeing of the baby. The tests available may act as a guide, to see whether the pregnancy can continue for a few more days. The tests are then usually repeated if the woman wishes to wait longer (or an induction is commenced). If the tests indicate that the baby may be distressed, or the placenta is not functioning as well, the caregiver will usually recommend that the labour be induced on that day (and not to wait any longer). The types of tests offered will vary from caregiver to caregiver, and hospital to hospital.
Depending on where you are having your baby you may have:
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A cardiotocograph or CTG. This is a 20 - 30 minute monitoring of your baby's heartbeat, and any uterine tightenings or Braxton Hicks contractions. The results are recorded on a sheet of paper, called a 'trace'. This may be done every 2nd or 3rd day from 41 weeks or 10 days overdue, until labour starts (or an induction is performed). You may wish to read more on this in monitoring during pregnancy. |
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Measuring the amniotic fluid volume around the baby, also called an 'amniotic fluid index' (or AFI). However, this is regarded as a controversial practice by some caregivers. Fluid measures can vary, depending on the ultrasonographer and the method used to measure. Also, amniotic fluid volume decreases normally from 37 weeks onwards anyway and factors such as the hydration of the woman can also affect amniotic fluid volume. If the mother is dehydrated then the volume can be lower (so drink plenty of water during the 24 hours before the test!) |
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A biophysical profile (or BPP). This is a combination of the CTG as well as an ultrasound that looks at the amount of fluid around the baby (the volume reduces the more overdue you are) and assessing the blood flow through the baby's cord (called 'Doppler's'). All three are considered when assessing the health of the baby. Again, this may be done every 2nd or 3rd day from 41 weeks or 10 days overdue, until labour starts (or an induction is performed). |
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Some hospitals may also look at the baby's breathing pattern and the tone of the baby's posture and movements. There is little evidence of the effectiveness of these measures. |
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Some caregivers will ask the woman to record her baby's kicks daily on a kick chart. This is optional and normally done in partnership with the CTG or the biophysical profile. |