In a convo about inductions at 39 weeks as a practice in hospitals and there is a part of the postdates conversation that no doctor or hospital addresses: the inaccurate calculation of estimated due dates based on the oversimplification of the variables in a menstrual cycles.

For context, I have been interested and practicing the fertility awareness method for the avoidance of hormonal contraception, conscious conception, and body literacy. This journey has been infused with even more knowledge thanks to @CapobiaNB

Now, story time: I have had an irregular cycle for my entire life. No doctor has ever been able to help me understand the underlying issue and instead have treated the symptom of amenorrhea. I have never tolerated birth control well and thus needed something to help me menstruate

I began studying FAM in midwifery school and taking herbs and supplements. I saw a change in my body and cycle, albeit still not regular and not ovulating normally. I was always afraid I'd never get to be a mother because that's what doctors told me. Fast forward to 3 years ago.

I told all my providers that I have an irregular cycle. My estimated due date was calculated using the assumption that I ovulated on day 14 and have a 28 day cycle. I measured right and baby was strong and healthy.

Fast forward to my 40 week visit: my provider was going over my chart and stopped at my last menstrual cycle date, where they had made a note that I was irregular. Legit, they said: "we miscalculated your due date and did not take into account your cycle."

This whole time I knew that my due date was too early by about two weeks because I know I am irregular. I was treated like shit by a doctor when I went in at 41 + 4 days for an ultrasound and berated for being irresponsible. The doctor knew I was a midwife.

I gave birth safely 4 hours shy of 42 weeks to a full term baby who was estimated at their newborn exam to be 40 weeks. My provider did do their due diligence after their mistake and used natural gentle methods to help me go into labor.

And I have to say, we jump to induction too quickly when we have options. So, I am in agreement that we must take care to monitor and prevent bad outcomes with postdate babies but the knee jerk reaction to inducing minutes after 40 weeks is not best practice.

Many maternal health providers lack a deep and true understanding of the menstrual cycle to be able to accurately determine a due date, prevent unnecessary interventions and let babies stay in the womb for as long as is safe to do so.