(upbeat music)
- So week 40's come and gone.
That's frustrating, to put it mildly
but it's certainly not unusual.
Lots of pregnancies last
until week 41 or even 42.
The truth is, fewer
than 5 percent of babies
are born on their due date.
And about half of all babies
don't make their debut
until well into the 10th month.
But babies can overstay their womb welcome
and, after 42 weeks, they're
considered post-mature.
What does that mean?
It means the baby's skin
may be temporarily dry,
cracked, peeling, loose or wrinkled
because the protective cheesy vernix
was shed weeks ago.
He may have longer finger and toe nails,
and also longer hair.
He'll have none of the
fuzzy lanugo coating
and he may be born more alert.
He is older and wiser after all.
Because being post-mature could also mean
that the placenta is
functioning less well,
and levels of amniotic fluid are dropping,
you'll be closely monitored to make sure
that hotel uterus is still
a welcoming place for your guest.
Any indication that it's
not hospitable anymore
and your practitioner will likely
recommend labor induction.
One thing is for sure: that
sweet little bundle of baby
is coming any day now.
(upbeat music)
