International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Postdated pregnancy, defined as gestation extending beyond 40 completed weeks, is associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks due to progressive placental insufficiency and fetal compromise. With rising institutional deliveries, evaluation of fetomaternal outcomes in postdated pregnancies is essential to optimise timely intervention and improve outcomes.

Objectives: To assess maternal and fetal outcomes in postdated pregnancies and to analyse the association between gestational age beyond term and adverse fetomaternal outcomes at a tertiary care centre.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre over a period from July 2024 to August 2025. A total of 180 women with singleton postdated pregnancies (?40 weeks gestation) were included. Maternal demographic characteristics, obstetric details, mode of delivery, intrapartum complications, and neonatal outcomes were extracted from medical records. Fetomaternal outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics, and associations were assessed using appropriate tests of significance, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of women belonged to the 21-30 years age group and were primigravida. Induction of labour was required in a substantial proportion of cases, with an increased rate of caesarean section observed in pregnancies beyond 41 weeks. Common maternal complications included prolonged labour and operative delivery. Fetal complications such as meconium-stained amniotic fluid, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and macrosomia were more frequent with advancing gestational age. A statistically significant association was observed between postdated gestation and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: Postdated pregnancy is associated with increased maternal intervention and adverse perinatal outcomes. Careful antenatal surveillance and timely induction of labour can reduce fetomaternal morbidity. Early identification and appropriate management of postdated pregnancies are crucial to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.