How long weeks pregnancy

In many cases, labour will be induced in the case of an overdue baby. The medical term for the due date is estimated date of confinement EDC. However, only about four per cent of women actually give birth on their EDC. There are many online pregnancy calculators see Baby due date calculator that can tell you when your baby is due, if you type in the date of the first day of your last period.

A simple method to calculate the due date is to add seven days to the date of the first day of your last period, then add nine months. For example, if the first day of your last period was 1 February, add seven days 8 February then add nine months, for a due date of 8 November. Some clues to the length of gestation include:. The general procedure for a pregnancy ultrasound includes:.

A baby born prior to week 37 is considered premature. The closer to term estimated date of confinement, or EDC the baby is born, the higher its chances of survival - after 34 weeks gestation with good paediatric care almost all babies will survive. Premature babies are often afflicted by various health problems, caused by immature internal organs.

Respiratory difficulties and an increased susceptibility to infection are common. Often there is no known cause for a premature labour; however, some of the maternal risk factors may include:. Around five out of every babies will be overdue, or more than 42 weeks gestation. If you have gone one week past your due date without any signs of impending labour, your doctor will want to closely monitor your condition. Tests include:. The placenta starts to deteriorate after 38 weeks or so, which means an overdue baby may not get enough oxygen.

An overdue baby could also grow too large for vaginal delivery. Generally, an overdue baby will be induced once it is two weeks past its expected date. Some of the methods of induction include:.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Additionally, people who are at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant people, should reduce contact with people who do not live with you. COVID has challenged pregnant people in a way most have not experienced before.

Call the Emotional Support Helpline seven days a week at from 8 a. Near the end of your pregnancy you may be uncomfortable or anxious to see your baby. But remember -- you want to be sure you deliver a full term baby, if possible. Babies born before 39 weeks have a greater chance of breathing problems, low blood sugar and other problems that may result in being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit NICU. There are many factors that may lead to a preterm birth.

Women who have had a previous preterm baby are at highest risk for another preterm baby. The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 40 weeks pregnant. You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond. Page last reviewed: 13 October Next review due: 13 October You and your baby at 40 weeks pregnant.