Contents:
- Medical Video: 41 Weeks Pregnant | What To Expect
- 42 weeks gestation has not given birth, why?
- What complications might arise from postterm pregnancy?
- Makrosomia
- Placental insufficiency
- Meconium aspiration
- How do you prevent postterm pregnancy?
- What should I do if I have a postterm pregnancy?
Medical Video: 41 Weeks Pregnant | What To Expect
A pregnant woman is said to be postterm if her gestational age has exceeded 42 weeks (294 days) from the first day of her last menstrual period or past the day of estimated delivery more than 14 days, but has not yet given birth. Postterm pregnancy can cause complications for both the mother and fetus. What causes uIn fact, 42 weeks of pregnancy haven't given birth too, and what's the danger? See the explanation below.
42 weeks gestation has not given birth, why?
Postterm pregnancy is also called a serotinus pregnancy or an overdue pregnancy. The cause of the post-term pregnancy until now has not been confirmed.
However, sOne of the most common risk factors for postterm pregnancy is a mistake considering the date of the first day of menstruation (HPHT). In fact, HPHT remains important information for doctors to estimate the date of delivery even though they will ensure the condition of the fetus and more accurate gestational age through ultrasound in the first trimester.
Some other things that also contribute to risk factors Postterm pregnancy is:
- Obese mothers during pregnancy.
- Previous postterm pregnancy history.
- Sulfate deficiency in the placenta (a very rare genetic disorder).
What complications might arise from postterm pregnancy?
The results of data from Riskesdas (Basic Health Research) in 2010 stated that the overtime pregnancy rate (more than 42-43 weeks) in Indonesia was approximately 10 percent.
Postterm pregnancy in general can increase the risk of maternal and fetal death during labor, due to:
Makrosomia
Makrosomia is a medical term for babies born with more weight from 4500 grams (> 4 kg). Babies who are too big need more time and a more complicated process to be born. This can increase the risk of baby shoulder dystocia which can cause severe injury, asphyxia (suffocation due to lack of oxygen), and even death.
Macrosomia is also often associated with risk factors for jaundice, diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic syndromes in children.
Placental insufficiency
Placental insufficiency occurs when the condition of the placenta can no longer meet the needs of oxygen and nutrients in the fetus. The placenta will reach its maximum size at 37 weeks' gestation.
If 42 weeks of gestation has not yet given birth, the placenta will begin to decline in function so that the fetus cannot get sufficient oxygen and nutrients. This increases the risk of the fetus experiencing health problems in the womb. Lack of oxygen can cause it cerebral palsy and disorders of growth and development.
Meconium aspiration
Meconium aspiration is a medical condition that is quite dangerous when the fetus inhales / consumes amniotic fluid and its first stool (meconium) in the womb.
This condition can cause the baby to lack oxygen and experience infections and inflammation in his lungs. Although rare, meconium aspiration can also cause permanent brain damage and persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn /PPHN) due to lack of oxygen.
Maternal death during childbirth
Postterm pregnancy is one of the main risk factors for maternal death during childbirth due to heavy bleeding or sepsis infection.
Postterm pregnancy also increases the risk of cesarean delivery.
How do you prevent postterm pregnancy?
Postterm pregnancy along with all possible risks can be prevented early on with routine checked the womb since the first trimester. Perform ultrasound regularly so that you can find out more about your baby's development and baby's age.
If there is a difference between the estimated age of the fetus and the calculation of the date of the doctor and USG, use the gestational age determined based on the results of the ultrasound.
In addition, you should always try to record the date of your menstrual cycle since before planning a pregnancy. This note will be useful for the doctor to estimate the estimated date of labor, also to find out whether you have a menstrual cycle disorder or not.
What should I do if I have a postterm pregnancy?
If your pregnancy is more than 42 weeks old but has not given birth, do not panic and immediately consult a doctor about your condition.
Doctors can advise to start inducing labor or giving birth by caesarean if possible, especially after checking the condition of the amniotic fluid is less and fetal movements begin to weaken.
