International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Pregnancies that cross expected date of delivery or 40 weeks of gestational age pose a challenge for obstetricians in terms of surveillance and management; as they can be a risk factor for maternal and fetal well-being. The fetal and maternal risk further increases with increasing gestational age. Hence, in this study we aim to assess maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies that extent beyond 40 weeks.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Garhwal Region. In this data was collected from records of over 1 year period of women delivered at 40 weeks and beyond in uncomplicated pregnancies. Data was analyzed in terms of fetal and maternal outcomes in these pregnancies and also across gestational ages.

Result: The incidence of postdated pregnancies is noted to be 9.8%. Spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was 48.05%, whereas 43.2% women had delivery by Lower segment caesarian section (LSCS). Most common indication for LSCS (24.5%) was fetal distress. The percentage of LSCS was found to increase as gestational age increases. The rate of intrauterine fetal death, birth asphyxia and rate of NICU admissions also increases with increasing gestational age. Also, maternal morbidities in terms of post-partum hemorrhage, perineal tears and gaped episiotomy are found to be more in advanced gestational age.