It’s a common thought that first-time pregnancies often go past the estimated due date. But is this really true? Let’s look at some quick answers about whether first babies arrive late:
Do first pregnancies really go longer?
Research shows that first pregnancies do tend to go longer than subsequent pregnancies. One study found that on average, first pregnancies last 283 days, compared to 275 days for second pregnancies and 283 days for third pregnancies. So on average, first-time moms can expect their babies to arrive about 8 days after their due date.
Why do first pregnancies go longer?
There are a few theories as to why first pregnancies tend to go longer:
- The body is going through the process of pregnancy and childbirth for the first time, so it may take longer to get the timing right.
- First-time moms tend to have tighter abdominal muscles and cervixes which may resist effacement and dilation.
- Levels of progesterone and oxytocin, hormones involved in inducing labor, may be lower in first pregnancies.
How much longer past the due date is common?
While the average first pregnancy lasts around 8 days longer, there is a lot of variation. Here’s a look at how long past the due date doctors usually let first pregnancies continue:
- 1 week past due date – 80% of doctors will let first pregnancies continue
- 2 weeks past due date – 40% of doctors will let first pregnancies continue
- 3 weeks past due date – Only 10% of doctors will let first pregnancies continue past 3 weeks
So while most doctors will let a first pregnancy go up to 1-2 weeks past the due date, few will wait longer unless there are no medical concerns.
Does the mother’s age affect how late babies arrive?
Yes, the mother’s age can impact how far past the due date a first pregnancy progresses:
- Younger moms (under 25) – tend to deliver around 4 days after the due date on average.
- Moms ages 25-35 -deliver around 8 days after the due date on average.
- Older moms (over 35) – deliver closer to 10 days after the due date on average.
Older first-time moms are more likely to go longer past the due date, which may be linked to age-related changes in hormones and reproductive tissues.
Do boys or girls come later in first pregnancies?
Some research indicates that male babies tend to arrive later than females in first pregnancies. One study found that boys arrived on average 8 days later and were twice as likely to be born late compared to girls in first pregnancies.
The reason is not entirely clear, but may be related to boys typically developing at a slightly slower pace in the womb. Estrogen levels also tend to be higher when carrying girls, which could help promote labor.
Can you do anything to avoid going late?
While there are no guarantees, there are some things first-time moms can try to help avoid going too far past the due date:
- Stay active – exercise can help quicken labor
- Have sex – semen contains prostaglandins which can help ripen the cervix
- Eat dates – contains compounds that stimulate contractions
- Drink raspberry leaf tea – tones the uterus and may promote labor
- Get a membrane sweep – your doctor massages the cervix to release hormones
If you go past your due date, your doctor may also suggest inducing labor through medications or other methods.
When is medical induction recommended?
If a first pregnancy continues more than 1-2 weeks past the due date, doctors typically recommend inducing labor for the safety of the mother and baby. Reasons your doctor may recommend medical induction include:
- You are >1 week past due date
- There are concerns about the baby’s growth or amniotic fluid levels
- You have pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
- There are signs the placenta is no longer functioning optimally
Methods for medically inducing labor include prostaglandin drugs, rupturing the amniotic sac, and IV pitocin to stimulate contractions.
What are risks of going too far past the due date?
There are some risks associated with letting a first pregnancy progress too far past the estimated due date. These include:
- Placental deterioration – the placenta ages and transfers nutrients/oxygen less efficiently
- Larger babies – increased risk of injuries during birth due to size
- Stillbirth – risk increases slightly past the due date
- Meconium in amniotic fluid – baby’s first stools, which can be aspirated
That’s why doctors monitor the fetus closely and recommend induction if a first pregnancy goes more than 1-2 weeks past the due date in most cases.
What percentage of first babies are born late?
According to research, around 30-40% of first babies are born late, arriving after the estimated due date. Here is a table with a breakdown of how many firstborn babies arrive late:
| Weeks Past Due Date | Percentage of First Babies Born |
|---|---|
| At due date | 60-70% |
| 1 week late | 15-20% |
| 2+ weeks late | 10-15% |
As you can see, the majority of firstborns arrive near or on their due date. But a sizeable minority arrive late, with up to 15% coming 2+ weeks past the due date.
Is going past the due date less common now?
Over the past few decades, the percentage of babies born late has decreased. One study found the rate of babies born late dropped from around 15% in 1990 to less than 10% in 2018. This is likely due to:
- More accurate pregnancy dating based on early ultrasounds
- Increased willingness to induce labor if pregnancy complications arise
- Better identification of babies not growing well in the womb
So while due dates may be less accurate and vigilance less stringent in the past, doctors today are better able to manage prolonged pregnancies to avoid adverse outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about first babies arriving late:
- First pregnancies do tend to go around 8 days longer than subsequent pregnancies on average.
- Older first-time mothers are more likely to go further past their due date.
- Boys tend to arrive later than girls in first pregnancies.
- Around 30-40% of first babies are born late, with 10-15% arriving 2+ weeks past due.
- Doctors typically recommend induction if first pregnancies progress >1-2 weeks past the due date.
While your first baby may arrive on time, it’s good to be prepared for the likelihood of going a bit longer. Stay in close contact with your medical provider as you near and pass your due date to ensure you and your baby stay healthy!
Conclusion
First-time pregnancies going past their estimated due dates is certainly a common occurrence. However, with close monitoring and willingness to intervene if medically necessary, risks associated with prolonged pregnancies can be minimized. While going late may test your patience, remember that it’s a sign baby is taking their time and will arrive when they’re fully ready! Try to enjoy this unique period as you await the exciting arrival of your firstborn.