Failure to give birth within 42 weeks from the last menstrual period is called time lapse or postterm pregnancy. It is important to make a correct diagnosis, as late births, just like premature births, carry the risk of harming the baby. It is observed that around 6 percent of pregnancies exceed the 41st week, and 3/1000 pregnancies exceed the 42nd week. In the presence of daylight hours, most of the time there is no underlying cause. Genetic predisposition is mentioned in 33-50% of the cases. It is also suggested that, very rarely, some hormonal disorders secreted by the baby and thought to initiate birth may be the cause.
Other risk factors:
* First pregnancy
* Presence of a male baby
* Obesity of the expectant mother
* Advanced maternal age
* Baby boy
* Genetics
Risks in over-term pregnancies
Risk of meconium aspiration syndrome in one in every 4 babies
Large baby
The baby running out of water
Serious infection of the gestational membranes
Early separation of the baby's partner
Hypertension
Risk of postpartum bleeding
Stillbirth (this risk increases significantly over 41 weeks. Risk of death: 1.2/1000 over 41 weeks; 1.9/1000 over 42 weeks)
What can be done?
Evidence-based findings indicate that if labor has not started at the end of 41 weeks, artificially initiating labor with the method most suitable for the patient (labor induction) is the least risky method for both the mother and the baby, and this practice increases the cesarean section rates. It shows that it does not increase the
Alternative approach: Waiting with close monitoring - Waiting management is an alternative to induction. Expectantly managed pregnancies typically undergo fetal assessment twice weekly starting at 41+0 weeks (or shortly thereafter). A nonstress test plus assessment of amniotic fluid volume or biophysical profile may be used for antenatal monitoring. However, patients who choose the waiting option; above They must understand the risks involved.
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