To study the maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancy beyond 40 weeks

Abstract

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. Aim: Present study aims to reliably monitor pregnancies until safe induction is given and appropriate delivery methods are identified that can avoid unnecessary caesarean sectional rate, in order to reduce maternal and perinatal complications. Materials and Method: A prospective cross sectional study of 150 patients with uncomplicated prolonged pregnancy fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and admitted in department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital. Results: Various complications in neonates were found with proportions 25.3%,1.3%,4.0%,12.7%,3.3% and 26.7% for Resuscitation, Birth Asphyxia, MAS, Post maturity signs, Birth injury and NICU admission respectively. Patients who have gestational age of 40 wks can be successfully followed till 41 week while women more than 41 week do require induction or LSCS or went into spontaneous during follow up with MBPP. Maximum proportion of spontaneous delivery was found in the gestational age 41-42 week (44.6%), maximum induced delivery was found in the gestational age 40-41 week (41.5%) and maximum LSCS was found in the gestational age 41-42week (32.1%). No significant association was found between GA and weight of new born. Conclusion: 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.