For a first baby, a normal delivery typically happens between 37 and 42 weeks, with the ideal, healthiest window being 39 to 40 weeks (full term), though many first-time moms go into labor around 40 weeks and 5 days, with the most common delivery weeks increasing for first babies. While only 4-5% arrive exactly on their due date, expect delivery within two weeks before or after, as the final weeks are crucial for brain and lung development.
Yes. On average the first babies will be born slightly after the due date, and actually due dates are a few days short in general. But lots of babies show up weeks early too.
First-time mothers are most likely to give birth in the 39th or 40th week. For twins, spontaneous births typically occur around weeks 36 and 37, and few pregnancies go beyond 38 weeks, due to medical considerations. “Full term” is now defined as 39 to 40 weeks, while 37 to 38 weeks is called “early term.”
The researchers found that 50% of all women giving birth for the first time gave birth by 40 weeks and 5 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks and 2 days. Meanwhile, 50% of all women who had given birth at least once before gave birth by 40 weeks and 3 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks.
FFor most women and birthing people with uncomplicated pregnancies labour will usually start naturally. Up to 82.8% of people going into labour by 41 weeks and 99% by 42 weeks.
Many scientists now believe that it is the baby who initiates the labor process. When all the baby's organs are fully mature and the baby is ready for life outside the uterus, he releases a small amount of a protein that initiates labor in the mother (Condon, Pancharatnam, Faust, & Mendelson, 2004).
“Your baby's lungs, liver and brain go through a crucial period of growth between 37 weeks and 39 weeks of pregnancy. Waiting until 39 weeks, now called 'full term pregnancy,' gives your baby the best possible chance for a healthy start in life.”
Three key signs that labor is approaching soon are regular contractions, losing your "bloody show" (mucus plug), and your waters breaking, often accompanied by lower backache, baby dropping, or a sudden urge to clean (nesting). These signals show your body is preparing for birth, with contractions becoming stronger and closer together as labor progresses.
Results: There was a significant positive effect of consuming date fruits on maternal outcomes in the first and third stages of labor. The group of pregnant women who consumed dates had a shortened latent phase of labor, which meant that their cervix reached maximum dilation (10 cm) faster.
In early labor, dilating from 0 to 6 centimeters can take from a few hours up to about 12 hours (though for some people, up to 20 hours). During active labor, dilating from 6 to 10 centimeters generally takes around 4 to 8 hours. On average, you may dilate about 1 centimeter an hour.
In most cases, your labor will begin only when both your body and your baby are ready.
Pushing begins in the second stage of labor, which generally lasts around 3 hours for first-time moms. It's shorter if you've had a baby before – typically 45 minutes or less. If you get an epidural, you may not feel the urge to push, and the pushing stage might take longer.
Health care providers use methods like the last menstrual period, ovulation dates, and ultrasounds to estimate due dates. Factors like age, carrying multiples, or having certain health conditions can influence whether a baby arrives early or late.
Average baby weights
The average weight of a baby born at 37 to 40 weeks ranges from 5 lb 8 oz to 8 lb 13 oz. This equates to 2.5 to 4 kg. At delivery, experts consider a low birth weight to be less than 5 lb 8 oz, or 2.5 kg. It is common for babies to lose around 10% of their weight during the first week after birth.
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.
Use perineal massage.
During the pushing stage of labor, a member of your healthcare team may place two fingers of a lubricated gloved hand just inside your vagina and move them from side to side. This is called perineal massage. It puts mild, downward pressure on that area and can help to stretch it.
Eating dates
One very small study in Jordan found that eating six dates a day for four weeks before the EDD could help women go into labour spontaneously, avoiding induction.
While walking won't start labor by itself, being upright may help your baby move into a better position. “Some people believe curb walking – where you walk with one foot on the curb and the other on the ground – can help shift the baby into place,” Zimmer said.
Sexual intercourse
And it can also release prostaglandins, which help the cervix naturally soften and prepare for labor. Be sure to ask your doctor whether you have the go-ahead to give sex at this time a try. If you're given the okay, it's certainly one of the more fun ways to try and get labor going.
There are often early signs, like your baby dropping, cramping, or a nesting urge that show up days (or even weeks) beforehand. When contractions become stronger, longer, and more regular — especially paired with symptoms like a bloody show or water breaking — you're likely in early or active labor.
The "5-5-5 rule" in a labor/postpartum context is a guideline for new mothers to prioritize rest and recovery in the first 15 days after childbirth, suggesting 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed (minimal movement), and then 5 days near the bed (gentle movement around the home). This promotes healing, bonding, and reduces stress, though it's a flexible guide, not a strict mandate, with some experts suggesting early movement can help prevent blood clots, making a modified approach ideal.
Silent labor, also known as a painless or unrecognized labor, occurs when contractions are mild or not easily felt. Some individuals may only realize they are in labor when they reach active labor or are close to delivery.
For full-term babies, the average male baby weight is born at 7 pounds, 6 ounces, while the average female baby weight is a bit less at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. From birth to 6 months, the typical baby will double their birth weight.
Researchers found that babies born at late term—41 weeks' gestation—are slightly more likely to be classified as gifted and have higher standardized test scores than babies born at full term, or at 40 weeks' gestation.
At 35 to 37 weeks in your pregnancy, your baby's brain is only 75 to 80% developed and needs to grow more. They might have trouble timing their sucking, swallowing, and breathing or keeping their body temperature normal.