If one more person asks me if my baby has arrived yet, I might just lose it. Sure, I won’t actually punch anyone—at least, not literally—but can we be real for a second? It’s a bit less annoying when someone texts or calls, especially since I’ve told everyone I’ll notify them when the big moment happens. It’s not like I have a reputation for going MIA during childbirth!
The face-to-face inquiries are the worst. I want to snap back, “What are you, completely oblivious?” I mean, just take a look at my gigantic belly—do you see any signs of a newborn here?
And then there’s the classic, “How are you feeling?” Honestly? How do you think I’m feeling?! I’m massive, uncomfortable, sleep-deprived, constipated, battling heartburn, and just want to meet this baby already. Do you want me to keep going?
On top of it all, well-meaning friends love to share their wisdom on how to induce labor naturally, as if I haven’t tried everything known to humankind. Spicy foods, long walks, and intimate moments—trust me, I’m already taking note of all these old wives’ tales, even if they didn’t work with my previous pregnancies.
To be clear, my house is currently stocked with hot sauce and red pepper. I’ve walked the zoo and local mall every day for the last two weeks. As for intimacy? Let’s just say I’m fitting it in when I can, but there’s only so much time in a day!
Going past my due date has been disheartening, to say the least. I know that people are genuinely concerned, but I’m just at my wits’ end. The disappointment of not cradling my little one yet has me feeling like the most frustrated expectant mother on the planet. My due date has come and gone, and here I am—still pregnant.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard, “Babies arrive when they’re ready.” Every time I hear this, I want to shout, “Please, just stop!”
For the third time, I’ve let myself down. I’m left feeling blue because I still don’t have that precious bundle of joy I’ve been waiting 40 weeks to hold. I’ve surpassed my due date yet again, stuck in what feels like an eternal pregnancy.
The anticipation that built as my due date approached has been immense, especially during the week leading up to it. In Week 39, I would wake up telling myself, “Today’s the day.” But just like the day before, it ended with no baby and a heavier heart.
My recent doctor visits haven’t provided much hope either. At 40 weeks, I was only 1 cm dilated and 20% effaced. Not exactly encouraging news. Yes, I get that every pregnancy is unique, and dilation varies widely, but that’s not what I wanted to hear.
I understand that due dates are just estimates rather than guarantees. They’re approximations of when your body might decide to go into labor. But, let’s be honest—calculating a due date isn’t an exact science. It generally starts with adding 280 days to the first day of your last menstrual cycle, which I can’t even recall at this point. And with this being my third pregnancy in three years, my period and I feel like long-lost friends who haven’t seen each other in ages.
The conception date can also affect the due date, adding another layer of uncertainty. Trying to pinpoint when that pivotal moment happened amidst the chaos of raising two toddlers feels like a challenge. Honestly, I’m surprised my husband and I found the time to conceive!
Even with modern technology, due dates remain educated guesses. In reality, only about 4% of pregnancies result in delivery on the exact due date. So much uncertainty surrounds when a woman’s body decides it’s time to bring a new life into the world.
Given the ambiguity surrounding due dates, it’s hard not to feel disheartened. My previous pregnancies went exactly three days past their due dates. Why should this one be any different? Over the nine months, I’ve talked a big game about being prepared for the possibility of going over, but I’ve clearly convinced everyone except myself.
You might think, “What’s a few more days compared to 40 weeks?” Oh, how naïve I was in my early pregnancy! Now? Every single minute feels like an eternity.
I keep trying to remind myself that this is temporary. The well-being of me and my baby is what’s truly critical. Soon, I’ll be holding this sweet little one in my arms. After focusing so heavily on the due date, there will even come a time when I forget what it was—replaced instead by the birthdate of my third child.
For more resources and insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent article from WebMD. If you’re considering at-home insemination, read about the artificial insemination kit available for those looking to start their family journey. For further information on pregnancy topics, be sure to visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary
Waiting past your due date can be a frustrating experience filled with unsolicited advice and endless questioning. The uncertainty surrounding when labor will begin can lead to feelings of disappointment and exhaustion. While it’s important to remember that the health of both mother and baby is what truly matters, the emotional rollercoaster of expectation can be challenging.