Prolonged pregnancy: balancing risks and interventions for post-term gestations

Pregnancy that continues beyond 42 weeks of gestation (post-term) confers increased antepartum and intrapartum fetal risk. Maternal risk may also be associated with post-term pregnancy, for example increased likelihood of delivery via emergency Caesarean section. The increased likelihood of adverse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine gynaecology and reproductive medicine, 2024-05, Vol.34 (5), p.127-133
Main Authors: Latif, Sara, Aiken, Catherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Expectant management
induction of labour
post-maturity
post-term
stillbirth
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Summary:Pregnancy that continues beyond 42 weeks of gestation (post-term) confers increased antepartum and intrapartum fetal risk. Maternal risk may also be associated with post-term pregnancy, for example increased likelihood of delivery via emergency Caesarean section. The increased likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes associated with post-term pregnancy derives mainly from increasing fetal size and placental ageing. The key intervention currently available to manage the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy is to offer delivery. In the UK, induction of labour is routinely offered at 41 weeks. Although offering induction of labour to manage post-term pregnancy is intended to minimize risk, women should feel supported by healthcare professionals if they opt for expectant management or decline induction of labour.
ISSN:1751-7214
1879-3622
DOI:10.1016/j.ogrm.2024.02.004