Post Term Pregnancy Definition:
Post term pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that extends to 42 0/7 weeks and beyond. The reported frequency of post term pregnancy is approximately 3-12%. Post-term pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks; two weeks past the normal 40-week gestation period.
Causes of Post Term Pregnancy:
In many cases, post-term pregnancy is a matter of miscalculating conception date. Yet, physicians should always perform an ultrasound during the first half of the pregnancy to ensure the highest accuracy. Although there is no 100% guarantee of an infant’s due date, an early ultrasound will give a better idea of the estimated due date, other factor that may contribute to this type of pregnancy include:
- Previous post-term pregnancies,
- Maternal obesity,
- A sulfates deficiency in the placenta,
- Central nervous system abnormalities,
- Anencephaly.
Risks of Post Term Pregnancy:
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), there are numerous, dangerous health risks associated with this type of pregnancy, including:
1. Fetal Macrosomia:
Fetal macrosomia is defined as an infant who is over 8 pounds, 13 ounces when born. This may cause childhood diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Mothers are also as risk when delivering a large baby, including the uterine ruptures, genital tract lacerations, and excessive bleeding after delivery.
2. Placental Insufficiency:
Placental insufficiency, also known as uteroplacental vascular insufficiency, occurs when the placenta fails to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the infant. After 37 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta reaches its maximum size and its functions begin to reduce afterwards. The longer an infant goes without proper nutrition and oxygen, the more at risk they become for a host of health problems, including oxygen deprivation that can lead to cerebral palsy, and learning disorders. Since the placental cord may compress in post-term pregnancies, there is a heightened risk of placental insufficiency.
3. Meconium Aspiration:
Meconium aspiration is marked by an infant breathing in amniotic fluid and meconium (newborn feces) shortly after birth. Infants who are born post-term are more likely to have a bowel movement while still in utero. Meconium aspiration is considered extremely dangerous and can lead to oxygen deprivation, lung inflammation, and lung infection. Although rare, it can also lead to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and permanent brain damage. Mothers are also at risk for developing dangerous medical issues, including postpartum hemorrhaging, bacterial infections, perineum injuries, and increased chance of a cesarean section (C-Section) surgery.
Treatment of Post Term Pregnancy:
Treatment is imperative for this type of pregnancy and if done properly, may help prevent many of the aforementioned risks. Typical treatment options may include:
1. Antenatal Fetal Monitoring:
An infant may be monitored closely once the due date has passed in order to detect any signs of distress. AAFP doesn’t recommend antenatal fetal monitoring until the 42nd week pregnancy.
2. Contraction Stress Test:
A contraction stress test will provide Oxycontin to the mother in an attempt to start contractions. The medicine is usually administered intravenously.
3. Biophysical Profile:
A biophysical profile (BPP) is a test that will determine an infant’s overall physical score in regards to movement, breathing, fetal tone, and the volume of amniotic fluid.
4. Labor Induction:
It’s often difficult to determine the best time to induce labor, but if the results of the previously mentioned treatment options indicate fetal distress, physicians will normally induce labor. Labor induction can include a scheduled C-section or medication applied to the cervix that promotes contractions.
Maria Khatun Mona is a Founder and Editor of Nursing Exercise Blog. She is a Nursing and Midwifery Expert. Currently she is working as a Registered Nurse at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has great passion in writing different articles on Nursing and Midwifery. Mail her at “maria.mona023@gmail.com”