When is a pregnancy considered overdue? A pregnancy usually lasts for 38 to 42 weeks. It is considered overdue if it lasts more than 42 weeks. “Post-term pregnancy,” “prolonged pregnancy,” and “post-date pregnancy” are other phrases used to describe a pregnancy that lasts more than 42 weeks.

What happens if you are past your due date?

"Pregnancies past 42 weeks have some increased risks, including the chance of a c-section; the possibility of needing a vacuum or forceps to assist delivery; your baby pooping into the amniotic fluid and then 'breathing' it in, which causes difficulty after birth; and, very rarely, stillbirth," says Hansen.

How long past pregnancy due date is safe?

Most doctors and midwives are happy for you to go a few days over your due date as long as everything seems to be okay. Many will let pregnant women go up to two weeks over. After 42 weeks, however, the baby's health might be at risk.