Dangers of a Post-Term Pregnancy

A post-term pregnancy is any pregnancy that has gone beyond 42 weeks of duration, 40 being the norm. Years ago, these pregnancies were thought to be the result of poor calculations and it was assumed that the woman had simply conceived later than thought. However, with the advent of ultrasound technology, we are now able to see if the baby is indeed post-term or not.

While the mother won't suffer any problems (apart from fraying nerves and anxiety) from carrying the baby over the 42 week mark, the baby can suffer from several complications. Most doctors prefer to induce labor before this point is reached, or schedule a C-section.

The placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus during the nine months of pregnancy, may begin to break down after the due date has been reached. It is no longer as effective at maintaining the baby and can cause malnutrition and lack of oxygen which can actually result in a stillbirth. In some cases, the placenta actually separates from the wall of the uterus and if the baby is not delivered immediately, will die.

A late baby may also defecate within the womb, a substance called meconium. The danger with this is that it may be in the infant's mouth when it is born and may be inhaled, which can cause respiratory problems and pneumonia in the first weeks of life. Your doctor can tell if there is meconium in the womb by the color of the amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid may also be drastically reduced after the 40 weeks. If there is too little in the uterus, it may be necessary to deliver the baby. This can be checked with an ultrasound.

If your baby is too late, your doctor may induce labor or even schedule a C-section, depending on the situation. Before making this decision, the doctor will run tests to see how the baby is doing. As long as your baby seems to be thriving, many doctors will prefer to wait until you go into labor naturally.