Post-Term Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and How to Manage It Safely

Introduction

Most people are familiar with preterm pregnancy, but very few understand the implications of post-date or post-term pregnancy. If you’re expecting a baby or planning for one, knowing about this condition can help you avoid serious complications.

Let’s explore what post-term pregnancy means, its causes, risks to the baby and mother, and how timely management by a qualified gynecologist in Pune can ensure a safe delivery.

What is Post-Term Pregnancy?

A normal or term pregnancy lasts between 37 to 40 weeks. When the pregnancy extends beyond 40 weeks but before 42 weeks, it’s referred to as a post-date pregnancy. If it goes beyond 42 weeks, it’s called a post-term pregnancy.

This extended duration can increase complications for both the baby and the mother, making early diagnosis and proper care critical.

What Causes Post-Term Pregnancy?

There are several maternal, fetal, and placental factors that may lead to a post-term pregnancy:

1. Maternal Factors

• Inaccurate pregnancy dating due to incorrect menstrual tracking

• First pregnancy (more common in first-time mothers)

• History of previous post-term pregnancy

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Advanced maternal age

2. Fetal Factors

• Congenital anomalies (e.g., underdeveloped skull or brain)

• Hormonal imbalance in fetal adrenal glands (affecting the HPA axis)

3. Placental Factors

• Placental dysfunction or defects

• Low estrogen levels

• Sulfatase enzyme deficiency

How is Post-Term Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is key to avoiding complications. Here’s how it’s done:

• Correct calculation of your due date using your last menstrual period or early pregnancy scans

• Ultrasound (sonography) plays a crucial role in dating and monitoring fetal well-being

• An early dating scan in the first trimester is the most reliable method to predict your due date

How is Post-Term Pregnancy Monitored?

Regular checkups and ultrasounds are essential once you cross 40 weeks:

• Monitoring amniotic fluid levels, which often decrease in post-term pregnancies

• Checking the placenta for calcification and reduced blood supply

• Watching for signs of intrauterine infections or fetal distress

Your gynecologist may advise frequent non-stress tests (NST) and biophysical profiles (BPP) to monitor the baby’s health closely.

Risks and Complications of Post-Term Pregnancy

Without proper management, post-term pregnancies can lead to serious complications:

1. Fetal Complications

• Reduced amniotic fluid, making it harder for the baby to breathe properly

• Fetal distress due to lack of oxygen

• Meconium aspiration, where the baby inhales stool, increasing the risk of pneumonia after birth

• Macrosomia (oversized baby), which can complicate normal delivery

• Shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery

• Cord compression, reducing oxygen supply

• Increased chances of NICU admission

2. Maternal Complications

• Higher risk of injury during delivery due to the baby’s large size

• Emergency C-section may be required

• Stress and anxiety due to extended pregnancy and monitoring

Management of Post-Term Pregnancy

The best way to manage post-term pregnancy is timely delivery. Here’s how:

Induction of Labor

If you don’t go into natural labor by your expected date, your doctor may recommend Induction of Labor (IOL) around the 40th to 41st week. This can be done using:

• Medication (e.g., prostaglandin gel)

• Mechanical methods (e.g., balloon catheter)

Planned C-Section

If induction isn’t advisable or if the mother prefers, a planned C-section is also a safe choice.

Why Timely Action Matters

Delivering the baby between 37 to 40 weeks is considered safest for both mother and child. Extending the pregnancy beyond this window without proper monitoring significantly increases health risks.

If your pregnancy extends past 40 weeks, consult an experienced gynecologist in Pune immediately to assess the best delivery approach.

Consult the Experts at Momstory – Pune’s Leading Maternity & Fertility Care Center

Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals in Hadapsar, Pune, offers expert obstetrics and gynecology services backed by modern technology and compassionate care. Whether it’s post-term pregnancy, labor induction, or personalized delivery planning, you’re in safe hands with our specialists.

Dr. Hitendrasing Patil, Consultant OB-GYN at Momstory, is known for his expertise in handling high-risk pregnancies and post-term complications.