Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Top of the page

Post-Term Pregnancy

Overview

Most pregnancies last 37 to 42 weeks. Your pregnancy is post-term (or post-date) when you are at 42 or more weeks. When you get to 40 weeks, your doctor will look at your health and the baby's health and decide whether to wait for natural labor.

You may have tests to make sure everything is okay. If you and the baby have no problems, you may be told to wait for natural labor. But if the doctor thinks it would be safer for you and your baby if you deliver sooner rather than later, then you may get medicine to start (induce) your labor. If the medicine doesn't start your labor or labor doesn't keep going, you may have a cesarean section (C-section). This is surgery to deliver the baby.

Credits

Current as of: February 23, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.