Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • From early in your pregnancy it is best to keep in mind that due dates are only a guide. Only about five per cent of women give birth on the exact date they are due.
  • Most babies arrive between 37 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but usually within a week either side of their expected due date.
  • Most doctors and midwives are happy for you to go a few days over your due date as long as everything seems to be okay.
  • If your baby is overdue, you can usually continue to wait or you can discuss with your healthcare professional ways to bring on your labour.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 04-04-2022