Postterm pregnancy refers to the absence of labor signs after the due date has passed, which is highly dangerous. Pregnant women in the late stages should take special precautions to avoid postterm pregnancy. Here, we'll explain how to prevent postterm pregnancy and outline its potential risks. Let's take a look.
Risks of Post-Term Pregnancy
Potential Fetal Oxygen Deprivation: As the placenta ages and its function declines during post-term pregnancy, oxygen supply to the fetus diminishes. This can easily lead to fetal hypoxia and, in severe cases, intrauterine death. Even if born, the infant's health is often poorer than that of a full-term baby, frequently succumbing to complications like dehydration, anemia, or lung infections.
Reduced Amniotic Fluid: During pregnancy, the uterus is filled with amniotic fluid, serving as the external environment for fetal growth and development. Adequate amniotic fluid volume is a key indicator of a healthy pregnancy. When pregnancy extends beyond 42 weeks, amniotic fluid volume may decrease significantly, potentially falling below 100 milliliters. Low amniotic fluid hinders labor progression, causing slow cervical dilation and prolonging the first stage of labor.
Fetal Malnutrition Risk: Due to placental aging and diminished function, the fetus receives relatively insufficient nutrients, potentially leading to malnutrition. Affected fetuses exhibit reduced subcutaneous fat, skin wrinkling, elongated hair and nails, and a "small old man" appearance. Despite prolonged gestation, weight gain is absent or even reduced due to nutritional deficiency.
Increased likelihood of operative delivery: In post-term pregnancies, the fetus's poor condition, combined with a harder skull and narrowed cranial sutures, prevents the fetal head from deforming to accommodate the birth canal during labor, leading to dystocia. Consequently, operative delivery is often required, with statistics showing a rate of 63.8%.
Increased neonatal complications: Clinical data indicates that newborns from post-term pregnancies exhibit significantly higher rates of complications compared to full-term infants from normal pregnancies. For instance, the incidence of neonatal intracranial hemorrhage can reach up to 25%, and aspiration pneumonia occurs in 37% of cases. Conditions like acidosis also show notably higher prevalence.
Methods for preventing post-term pregnancy
During the first six months before conception, women should diligently record each menstrual cycle to calculate a more accurate estimated delivery date. After two months of amenorrhea, a hospital examination is recommended, followed by regular prenatal checkups—especially weekly visits starting at 37 weeks gestation.
If no signs of labor appear one week past the estimated due date, seek immediate medical evaluation. Doctors will assess fetal size, amniotic fluid volume, placental function, fetal maturity, or use ultrasound to diagnose post-term pregnancy.
Pregnant women can also monitor fetal movements. If fewer than 20 movements are felt within 12 hours, it indicates fetal abnormality; fewer than 10 movements signify significant fetal distress requiring immediate medical attention. If post-term pregnancy is confirmed, medical induction should be performed promptly.
Regularly monitor fetal activity. If no signs of labor appear by 42 weeks, seek prompt medical assistance to facilitate delivery.