When pregnancy continues beyond week 41, follow-up may become more frequent. These visits are used to monitor how the pregnancy is progressing and to determine whether any additional assessments are needed. The midwife may measure fundal height, check blood pressure and ask general questions about how you are feeling. Fetal position and heartbeat are also assessed.

If needed, ultrasound may be used to confirm the baby’s position or to assess the amount of amniotic fluid. In some cases, blood flow in the umbilical cord can be examined using Doppler, which may give information about placental function at the time of the examination. The findings only reflect the conditions on that specific day and are used for planning the next steps.

If pregnancy continues further, another visit may be scheduled, and sometimes an assessment for possible induction is planned. The information is documented but is not used to predict when labour will begin.

Alma’s tips 🌿

• It can be helpful to ask how the follow-up will be planned if the pregnancy continues a little longer.

• You can write down your questions before the visit to help remember them.

• If ultrasound or Doppler is scheduled, you can ask what it is used to assess on that occasion.