In every pregnancy, there is an ideal time for labour to begin and for the baby to be born. In most cases, a healthy pregnancy without complications means waiting for labour to start naturally.
Detection and management of a baby that is not growing properly during Sometimes, the mother’s health issues can increase the risk of stillbirth. These mothers will need further medical assessment and care. This may include counselling and more tests.
Doctors may discuss when the best time is to deliver the baby to reduce the risk of complications, including stillbirth.
Women with any of the following risk factors may be monitored more closely while pregnant and may have discussions with their doctor about when is the best time to deliver their baby.
- Aged older than 35 years.
- Smoking
- High Body Mass Index.
- Have undergone fertility treatments (IVF, IUI, ICSI etc).
- Using alcohol or drugs.
- Prior stillbirth.
- Low socio-economic status.
- Preeclampsia.
- Foetal growth restriction or small for gestational age.
- More than 41 weeks gestation.
- Ethnicity, including
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Pacific
- African
- South Asian.
- Health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
Baby’s health and developmental outcomes improve the longer they are inside their mother’s womb.
Working together with healthcare providers will help keep you and your baby healthy and safe.
Attend all your antenatal appointments, especially if you have any of the above risks.
Did you find this helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
