Post-Term Pregnancy: Risks Associated with Passing the Due Date

Normal gestational period is considered to be 38 to 40 weeks in pregnancy. For many women, the arrival of their new bundle of joy will occur during this well calculated time period. Referred to as the "due date", women eagerly await and plan for the arrival of the newborn, focused upon this unique date.

For some infants, however, birth is delayed even going beyond the standard 40 week gestational period. When passing through the 42^nd week of gestation, obstetricians refer to this as a post-term pregnancy. While you may not know anyone personally who has experienced a post-term pregnancy, there are many women who do. In fact, it is estimate that nearly 10 percent of all pregnancies end in a post-term status.

If you are approaching your due date, it is important to discuss with your obstetrician the plans that will be taken should you labor not begin by your due date. With a significant number of health risks to both you and your infant, post-term pregnancy can result in a complicated birthing process, especially when your infant is considered larger than normal.

Among the risks you may face, as the mother-to-be, if your gestational period is permitted to expand beyond 42 weeks, you may be at risk for a cervical rupture, shoulder dystocia, post partum hemorrhaging and even puerperal infections.

As if that wasn't risk enough, your infant may also suffer serious health consequences as a result of a post-term birth. Such risks to your infant may include bone fractures, peripheral nerve paralysis and even aspiration and asphyxia.

When your pregnancy extends beyond 40 weeks, your obstetrician should begin to make plans to induce your labor. Reaching the 42^nd week of gestation is very risky and often results in the need for cesarean section. Furthermore, if your pregnancy involved complications associated with diabetes, hypertension, placenta complication or other complicating health conditions, the induction of your labor at 40 weeks may even be considered too late in the pregnancy.