Publication:

Study of maternal and fetal outcome in postdate pregnancy in tertiary care hospital

Background Fetal, neonatal and maternal complications associated with pregnancy beyond 40 weeks have always been underestimated. However emerging evidence demonstrates that the incidence of complications increases after 40 weeks of gestation. The present study was conducted to find out the fetomaternal outcome of such prolonged pregnancy.

Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 70 patients with uncomplicated prolonged pregnancy fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and admitted in department of obstetrics and gynecology at a tertiary care hospital B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Results Out of 70 patients, majority of the subjects belongs to 26-30 years of age (50%). The gestational age of 90% of patients were between 40-42 weeks. About 42-44% of the foetus had a birth weight of 2.5-3.5 kgs. Maximum patients underwent vaginal deliveries in spontaneous group (57%) and 64% underwent LSCS in induced group. Mode of delivery is significantly associated with presence of adequate liquor.

Conclusions With regular antenatal check-up, incidence of postdate pregnancy can be decreased and it is important because of definite risk to fetus as pregnancy continuing beyond 40 weeks of gestation is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality especially those who do not come for regular antenatal check-up.