I recently reached the point where I’m a week past my due date, and the constant messages from well-meaning friends and family are starting to drive me up the wall.
In hindsight, I realize just how common it is for expectant mothers to go beyond their due dates. When I first discovered I was pregnant, I was eager to share the news. I received plenty of advice from seasoned parents about essential preparations like getting on daycare waiting lists and maximizing registry gifts, which I happily took to heart. However, one piece of advice I dismissed was to keep my actual due date to myself. A friend with a toddler suggested, “Just tell people it’s a week later.” At the time, I thought that was silly—why would I not want to share the exact date?
Now, I completely understand her reasoning. As I sit here waiting for my little one to arrive, the barrage of check-in texts has become overwhelming. If you’re in the same situation, here’s what I wish I had considered earlier in my pregnancy.
Commonality of Going Past Your Due Date
It’s surprisingly common to go past your due date, and due date calculations can often feel more like an art than a science. For those interested in home insemination and related topics, a great resource is the World Health Organization, which offers valuable information. Additionally, if you’re exploring at-home insemination methods, you can check out Make a Mom for products that might assist you. And for a touch of self-care during this journey, Intracervical Insemination has some excellent options.
Summary
If you’re expecting and have shared your due date, consider keeping it under wraps to avoid the pressure of constant inquiries. It’s perfectly normal to go past the due date, and being prepared for that can ease the stress.