Postterm pregnancy

Postterm Pregnancy

Postterm pregnancy (pronunciation: pohst-turm preg-nuhn-see), also known as prolonged pregnancy, is a condition where a pregnancy extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation. The term is derived from the Latin words 'post' meaning 'after', and 'term' meaning 'end' or 'limit'.

Definition

A pregnancy is considered postterm when it extends beyond 42 weeks (294 days) from the first day of the last menstrual cycle. This is approximately two weeks beyond the typical 40-week gestation period.

Causes

The exact cause of postterm pregnancy is unknown. However, some potential factors include a history of previous postterm pregnancies, being a first-time mother, male fetus, and certain genetic factors.

Risks

Postterm pregnancies carry increased risks for both the mother and the baby. These include labor complications, cesarean delivery, birth injury, low amniotic fluid, and stillbirth.

Management

Management of postterm pregnancy may involve close monitoring of the mother and baby, inducing labor, or a cesarean section. The choice of management depends on the individual circumstances of the mother and baby, and the healthcare provider's judgement.

Related Terms

• Gestation
• Pregnancy
• Menstrual cycle
• Fetus
• Genetic factors
• Cesarean delivery
• Birth injury
• Amniotic fluid
• Stillbirth

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Postterm pregnancy
• Wikipedia's article - Postterm pregnancy

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