Prolonged pregnancy

Pregnancy that continues beyond 42  weeks of gestation (post-term) confers increased antepartum and intrapartum fetal risk. Maternal risk may also be associated with post-term pregnancy, for example via increased likelihood of delivery via emergency Caesarean section. The increased likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes associated with post-term pregnancy derives mainly from increasing fetal size and placental ageing. The key intervention currently available to manage the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy is to offer delivery.
Source: Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research