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Pregnancy is considered to be prolonged when it has lasted over 42 gestational weeks. Postterm check-ups start when the pregnancy has lasted 41 weeks and 5 days (41+5). You must book an appointment for the postterm check-up yourself by calling the maternity hospital’s unit for induction of labor or maternity outpatient clinic.
Contact information
Espoo Hospital, tel. 09 471 83 201 (Mon-Fri from 1 p.m. -2.30 p.m.)
Women's Hospital, 09 471 72 900 (Mon-Fri from 1 p.m. -2.30 p.m.)
Hyvinkää Hospital, Maternity Outpatient Clinic tel. (019) 4587 2269
Lohja Hospital, Maternity Outpatient Clinic tel. (019) 380 1417 (Mon-Fri from 1 p.m. - 2.30 p.m.)
Porvoo Hospital, Maternity Outpatient Clinic tel. (019) 548 3105 (Mon-Fri from 8.30 a.m. - 11 a.m.)
Usually we can calmly wait for the labor to begin naturally. The aim of the postterm check-ups is to monitor that the final stage of the pregnancy proceeds safely, and to detect early any risks related to a prolonged pregnancy (e.g. placental deterioration).
Both the mother and fetus's well-being are monitored at the postterm check-up. Fetal condition is assessed by recording the fetal heartbeat (CTG) and via ultrasound examination. The mother’s blood pressure is measured and proteinuria is ruled out. The appointment also includes a discussion with the mother regarding her physical and psychological well-being and coping and how the mother feels the fetal movements.
Sometimes at the postterm check-up, a process called cervical canal ripening may be started either mechanically or by pharmaceutical methods. If mechanical cervical ripening, with a balloon catheter, is started, the mother may still usually return home, but if pharmaceutical cervical ripening is started, the mother will remain in the hospital. Labor is induced due to a prolonged pregnancy by gestational week 42+1 at the latest.
Further information (in Finnish):
https://www.terveyskyla.fi/naistalo/raskaus-ja-synnytys