Top Tips for When You Go Over Your Due Date

Ah, the due date. That magical day we circle on the calendar, dream about, and plan our lives around. If you find yourself going over your due date, here are some top tips to help you navigate this unexpected time.

But here’s the thing: it’s not an expiry date — it’s more like a vague suggestion from Mother Nature. Only about 4% of babies arrive on their due date. Most first-time babies make their appearance between 40 and 42 weeks. So if you’re feeling like you’ve been pregnant since the dawn of time, you’re not alone in this time when you go over your due date.

Here are The Honest Midwife’s top tips for surviving — and maybe even enjoying — those days when your baby seems to be running fashionably late.

Keep Busy (But Not Exhausted)

Waiting for labour can feel like being stuck in limbo. It’s tempting to cancel all your plans and sit by the phone (or bounce endlessly on your birth ball), but honestly? Life is better when you’re distracted and following some top tips.

Gentle walks, tea with a friend, or even finishing that boxset you’ve been meaning to watch can help the days pass.

Just don’t wear yourself out — you’ll need your energy for the main event.

Say No to “Any News?” Messages

Everyone means well, but those constant pings of “any signs yet?” can drive you up the wall when you’re already navigating the challenge of going over your due date.

Set up a pre-written reply (or get your partner to field the messages), or post a polite but firm update on your socials:

“No news yet! We’ll let you know when there is. Thanks for thinking of us.”

Protecting your headspace is just as important as preparing your hospital bag.

Boost Your Oxytocin

Oxytocin is the hormone that powers labour — and spoiler alert — stress and pressure can lower it, affecting your journey through overdue dates.

Simple things can help get those lovely oxytocin levels rising:

(If you want something extra soothing, our Pregnancy Massage Oil is packed with bump-friendly ingredients — perfect for pampering yourself at this stage.)

Nourish, Hydrate, Rest, Repeat

It’s easy to think “well, if I eat a spicy curry and jog around the park, maybe I’ll bring labour on!” But could these really be top tips when you go past your due date?

While that might work for some, the truth is that most babies come when they’re ready — and being well-fed, hydrated, and rested will make a massive difference when labour does start.

Stock up on easy-to-digest foods, drink plenty of water, and nap whenever you feel like it. This is your final pit stop before the marathon.

Get Informed About Induction

Depending on your local guidelines and your pregnancy situation, you may be offered an induction of labour after a certain point. Being informed about induction can be a top tip when you find yourself over the due date.

Being induced can be a positive, empowering experience — if you go into it feeling informed and in control.

Ask your midwife about:

We cover this in detail in our Induction of Labour Workshop if you’d like extra support before making your decision.

Remember, You Haven’t “Failed” Anything

It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed a deadline or that your body is “doing it wrong” if your due date comes and goes, but top tips like these can help you manage those feelings.

Please know this: you haven’t failed.

You are already doing something absolutely extraordinary — growing a human — and your body knows what it’s doing, even if it doesn’t stick to the schedule.

Give yourself the same patience and kindness you’d offer your best friend.

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In Short…

Being overdue can be frustrating, emotional, and exhausting — but it’s also normal when you go past your due date.

Focus on comfort, calm, and connection, gather good information, and trust that your baby will be here soon.

You’ve got this. And we’re cheering you on every step of the way.