The due date. Estimated date - or should we say: guessed date? Because it is actually more of a vague date that can give a clue, but never certainty. And because there is so much bullshit surrounding the due date, we have written down the most important myths (and their clarification) for you here:
1. Most babies are born on their due date. No, quite the opposite. Only 4% of babies are actually born on their due date. A very, very large proportion are born in the two weeks before and two weeks after the due date. This is why some midwives also talk about the "month of birth" with the due date in the middle - we think that this is a much nicer (and more accurate) idea of the time of birth.
2. From the day after the due date, the woman "transitions". No! The two weeks after your due date has passed are called "overdue". Gynecologists only speak of overdue pregnancy from 42+0 weeks of pregnancy.
3. Induction is always carried out no later than 10 days after the due date. No. Apart from the fact that YOU make the decision whether and how labor induction methods are used, this does not have to be done according to a set pattern. Of course, individual medical circumstances, risk factors and your own well-being must be taken into account. But in the end, you are the one who decides when and how it starts.
4. The due date is determined using scientific methods. Also wrong. If you don't know the day of fertilization (and this is the case for most women), the due date is usually calculated during the first ultrasound, on which the gynecologist can see the embryo. In the ultrasound imaging - which is not always 100% accurate - the size of the embryo is determined by measuring the rump-crown length, from which the current week of pregnancy - and from this the due date - is then derived. Small and large measurement errors can - but do not have to! - occur here. This is another reason why it can make sense to move away from the due date as a specific date.
5. Post-term babies are always too big. No, you can't say that in such a general way. The size of the fetus depends on an incredible number of factors - and at the same time it is only one of many reasons that may speak in favor of (premature) induction of labor. It is always important to decide individually, discuss all options and, if possible, get detailed advice from the people at the birth location, your gynecologist and your midwife. You have a right to information and informed decisions - and hopefully an experienced team around you.
6. Gestational diabetes always leads to induction of labor from the due date. Another clear answer: no! Especially if your gestational diabetes is well controlled, according to the guidelines for induction of labor there is no significant reason for premature termination of the pregnancy through induction. If you inject insulin, the parameters may be different. But here too: get advice and be shown all the options.
As you can see, there are a few rumours surrounding the due date that make women unnecessarily afraid, and we want to honestly dispel them here. For all situations and decisions, we believe it is really important that you find a team of midwife, gynecologist and staff at the birth location that you trust and that you feel will take your individual worries, hopes and wishes seriously.
