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Chapter-30 Prolonged Pregnancy

BOOK TITLE: Essentials of Obstetrics

Author
1. Mathai Matthews
2. Subhasri B
ISBN
9788184489095
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11242_30
Edition
2/e
Publishing Year
2011
Pages
6
Author Affiliations
1. Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore
2. Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

This chapter deals with the common problem of prolonged pregnancy and will familiarize the readers with the definition and epidemiology of prolonged pregnancy. The WHO and FIGO have defined prolonged pregnancy as a pregnancy that has completed 42 weeks or 294 days as calculated from the first day of the LMP. Prolonged pregnancy is a common clinical problem today. It is associated with significant increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality and is, therefore, a common indication for induction of labor. The term postmature must be restricted to those neonates who have clinical features of pathologically prolonged pregnancy, e.g. wrinkled or peeling skin, lanugo hair, overgrown nails, etc. Prolonged pregnancy can result in numerous fetal complications such as stillbirths, reduced renal perfusion, oligohydramnios, cord compression, meconium-stained liquor, late and prolonged decelerations, fetal macrosomia and fetal death. It can also result in maternal complications such as increased requirement for cesarean section and maternal trauma. There are two management options in these cases: Induction of labor at a specified period of gestation or expectant management with close monitoring of fetal wellbeing.

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