Publication:

Perinatal morbidity and mortality in postdated pregnancies

Background Postdated pregnancies are associated with a range of risks that contribute to elevated perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with postdated pregnancies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with postdated pregnancies.

Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH), Bogra, from November 18, 2013, to May 17, 2014, and included 50 postdated pregnant women. Informed consent was obtained, and maternal and fetal outcomes were observed for seven days post-delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with results presented as mean (±SD) for quantitative data and as frequency and percentage for qualitative data.

Results This study found a 6.7% incidence of postdated pregnancy at SZMCH, with 84% of patients aged 18-29 years and 52% having regular antenatal checkups. Most (82%) presented at 41 weeks, and 50% underwent caesarean delivery. Newborns had favourable APGAR scores (74% scored 7-10). Maternal morbidity occurred in 16 cases, primarily postpartum hemorrhage (31.3%) and wound infection (25%). Fetal complications were seen in 40%, with birth asphyxia (35%) and macrosomia (20%) being the most common.

Conclusions This study emphasizes the need for timely interventions and consistent prenatal monitoring to reduce maternal and fetal complications in postdated pregnancies, which accounted for 6.7% of cases at SZMCH.