If I get asked one more time whether I’ve had my baby, I might just lose it. Okay, not literally, but seriously, people! It’s not as annoying when it comes through a text or call—especially since I’ve already informed everyone that they’ll be the first to know when my little one arrives. It’s not like I’m known for giving birth in secrecy without a heads-up to my friends and family.
What really gets to me is when this question is posed in person. I feel like responding with, “Are you out of your mind?” Given my visibly large belly at 41 weeks, can’t you see there’s no baby in my arms yet?
Another incredibly common inquiry is, “How are you feeling?” How do you think I’m feeling?! I’m enormous, uncomfortable, and sleep-deprived. I’m dealing with constipation and an awful case of heartburn, all while wishing this baby would just make its entrance already. Do I need to elaborate?
To add salt to the wound, I’m inundated with unsolicited advice on how to naturally induce labor, as if I haven’t already been trying to persuade my body to get the show on the road. “Eat spicy foods.” “Go for long walks.” “Have plenty of sex.” Though I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of these age-old remedies, I still find myself willing to give them a try this time around.
Let’s just say, my house is full of hot sauce and red pepper seasoning. I’ve hit the zoo and the mall almost daily for the last two weeks. And as for sex? There’s only so much time in the day, but yes, I’ve managed to make it happen when I can.
Reaching and surpassing my due date has been incredibly disheartening, leaving me feeling like the most disgruntled pregnant person in the world. I know people mean well, but I just can’t handle the questions any longer. I’m not just frustrated; I’m genuinely disappointed that I’m not already cradling my newborn and soaking in that delightful baby scent.
“Babies arrive when they’re ready.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this phrase, and each time I want to tell the speaker to be quiet. For the third time, I find myself feeling let down. I’ve already waited 40 weeks, and here I am, still pregnant and wondering when it will end.
The anticipation leading up to my due date was palpable, especially during that last week. In the days leading up to it, I would wake up thinking, “Today’s the day.” But just like before, the day would pass without a baby in my arms, leaving me feeling even more discouraged.
Recent doctor visits have also been far from uplifting. At 40 weeks, I was only 1 cm dilated and 20% effaced, which doesn’t exactly fill me with hope that labor is imminent. Yes, I understand that every pregnancy is unique and that dilation varies from woman to woman, but it wasn’t the encouraging news I was hoping for.
I recognize that due dates are merely approximations, not guarantees. They are constructed through various calculations, such as adding 280 days to the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Frankly, I can hardly recall what I had for breakfast, let alone the date of my last period. This is my third pregnancy in three years, and with breastfeeding involved, my period feels like a long-lost friend I haven’t seen in ages.
The conception date could also provide a more accurate estimate for the due date, but honestly, I couldn’t even tell you when that took place. I’m just amazed that amidst the chaos of life with two toddlers, my husband and I found the time to conceive again!
Despite the advancements in medical technology, due dates remain educated guesses. Only about 4% of pregnancies result in delivery on the actual due date. There’s so much uncertainty surrounding when a woman’s body decides it’s time to give birth.
With so many variables that affect the determination of a due date, it’s perplexing why there’s such emphasis placed on it. Yet, despite this understanding, I still can’t shake the disappointment. My previous two pregnancies went three days past the due date—why would this one be any different? Over the past nine months, I’ve confidently assured everyone that I was prepared for this pregnancy to go overdue; I even convinced everyone but myself.
You might think, “What’s a few more days or even a week compared to the 40 weeks?” In the early stages of pregnancy, I might have agreed. Now, however, with each passing minute, hour, and day beyond my due date, it feels like an eternity.
I keep reminding myself that this won’t last forever. Ultimately, the most important thing is the health of both me and my baby. Soon enough, I’ll be holding my little one, and all this waiting will be a distant memory. The date I’ve fixated on will fade away, replaced by the birthday of my third child.
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Summary
Being pregnant past your due date can be an incredibly frustrating experience. The constant inquiries from others, coupled with the emotional toll of waiting, can leave soon-to-be parents feeling defeated. Despite the uncertainty of due dates, it’s essential to focus on the health of both the mother and baby. Ultimately, the long wait will be forgotten once that precious little one is finally in your arms.