Overly-Long Pregnancy

Postterm pregnancy (a pregnancy of 42 or more week's gestation) is one of the more common high-risk problems confronting obstetricians.

The reported frequency of postterm pregnancy is 3-12%. About 80% of all pregnancies last 38-42 weeks, 10% are delivered preterm, and the remaining 10% extend beyond the start of the 43^rd week and are considered postterm. Accurate assessment of gestational age and diagnosis of postterm gestation, as well as recognition and management of risk factors, can reduce the risk of adverse effects in most cases.

Maternal surveillance, induction of labor using drugs and cesarean sections, are strategies used to theoretically diminish fetal risk of adverse outcomes to the mother and baby.

• Because the risks of postterm pregnancy are known, any child born with brain damage after such a delivery may benefit from a medical-legal investigation of the events surrounding his/her delivery.

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© 1999 CHARFOOS & CHRISTENSEN, P.C.
Updated: October, 1999