Publication:

Postdated pregnancy: its maternal and fetal outcome

Background Postdated pregnancy is one of the commonest obstetric conditions. Pregnancy is called term when it lies between 37 weeks to 42 weeks from the last menstrual period. If the pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks it is called as postdated pregnancy. The overall incidence of post term pregnancy is 7% of all pregnancies.

Methods This observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from September 2019 to February 2020. Total 100 postdated pregnancy enrolled in the study those willing to participate and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Aim is to assess maternal and fetal outcome in postdated pregnancy.

Results In present study, incidence of postdated pregnancy was found to be 5% and number of normal deliveries was 66 (66%), LSCS were 32 (32%) and 2 (2%) were instrumental delivery. Maternal complications were seen in 14 (14%) cases and fetal complications were found in 23 (23%) cases.

Conclusions Postdated pregnancy was associated with perinatal complications like fetal distress, meconium aspiration syndrome and fetal asphyxia. There was increased risk of obstetrics complications like postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), perineal tear, cervical tear and shoulder dystocia. Management of postdated pregnancy is a challenge to obstetrician and a careful advice and monitoring can alleviate maternal anxiety and untoward complications.