Prolonged pregnancy beyond the due date is a situation where pregnant women experience a pregnancy lasting longer than 40 weeks without any signs of labor. Does such a prolonged pregnancy beyond the due date affect the health of the fetus? Let’s find out!
1 What is the Due Date?
Usually, based on the first day of the pregnant woman’s last menstrual period, doctors can predict and give an expected due date, which is the day the baby is likely to be born. Predicting the due date is a way to monitor and check the development of the fetus throughout the pregnancy.
The due date is when the baby is likely to be born
2 How to Calculate the Due Date
To calculate the due date, doctors will use the ultrasound method. Through the ultrasound results, along with information provided about the timing of the pregnant woman’s last menstrual period, a fixed due date can be determined, which remains unchanged until childbirth.
How to Calculate the Due Date
3 What is a Post-Term Pregnancy?
On average, a woman’s pregnancy will last about 280 days, or about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.
A post-term pregnancy, also known colloquially as a “stubborn pregnancy,” occurs when a pregnant woman carries the baby beyond the 40-week mark without going into labor. If a pregnant woman reaches 41 to 42 weeks without giving birth, it is considered a post-term pregnancy, and if it extends beyond 42 weeks, it is called a prolonged pregnancy (post-term pregnancy).
What is a Post-Term Pregnancy?
4 Causes of Post-Term Pregnancy
The cause of post-term pregnancy is unknown, but there are factors that can increase the likelihood, including:
- First pregnancy.
- Carrying a male fetus.
- Maternal obesity.
- Previous pregnancies that also went post-term.
Causes of Post-Term Pregnancy
5 Signs of a Post-Term Pregnancy
Typically, if a pregnant woman reaches her due date, she may experience signs such as lower abdominal pain, bloody mucus discharge, a drop in the belly, fatigue, or water breaking, among others. If the mother-to-be does not exhibit these symptoms, it indicates that she has gone past her due date.
Signs of a Post-Term Pregnancy
6 Is a Post-Term Pregnancy Dangerous?
In reality, only a small number of post-term pregnancies are associated with health risks for both mother and baby. In most cases, labor and delivery proceed normally after the due date. Some potential risks include:
- Macrosomia (large baby).
- Prolonged pregnancy.
- The baby may experience malnutrition, wrinkled skin, or even stillbirth.
- The presence of meconium (fetal feces) in the amniotic fluid, which can be inhaled by the baby and cause breathing problems.
- Decreased amniotic fluid, cord compression, and reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.
- Increased likelihood of a cesarean delivery.
- Risk of maternal infection and postpartum hemorrhage.
Risks of a Post-Term Pregnancy
7 How to Manage a Post-Term Pregnancy
If you find yourself in a situation of post-term pregnancy, you should go to the hospital immediately. The doctor will advise you to be admitted and undergo relevant tests to assess the condition of the fetus.
After performing evaluations to ensure the fetus is robust enough for labor, the doctor will induce labor. In some cases, if vaginal delivery is not possible due to fetal distress or an overly large fetus, a cesarean delivery will be performed.
How to Manage a Post-Term Pregnancy
This article provides basic information about post-term pregnancies, which some expectant mothers may experience. Hopefully, this knowledge will help mothers understand this condition and know how to manage it effectively!
Source: Vinmec.com
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