Pregnancies that last longer than 41 weeks are called overdue
pregnancy. This limit is considered to be 42 weeks in some places. It occurs in
approximately 5% of all pregnancies. The average gestation period is 280 days,
that is, 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period in human
beings.
When diagnosing overdue pregnancy, updating the old
ultrasound measurements (especially the ultrasound entered in the first 4
months of pregnancy) are as important as the last menstrual date.
Who is more
common?
- Those who previously had overdue pregnancy
- If the mother or sister of the pregnant woman has a history
of overdue pregnancy
- First pregnancy (nulliparity)
- Obesity in the mother
- Anencephaly in the fetus
- Adrenal hypoplasia in the fetus
- X-linked placental sulfatase deficiency (happens only in
the male fetus)
Risks of
overdue pregnancy:
Due to circulatory impairment in the placenta, as a result of
insufficient transport of oxygen and nutrients, fetal distress may develop.
Therefore, especially in overdue pregnancy, baby movements should be carefully
monitored as a health indicator. Increased oxygen deficiency causes the first
stool called meconium in the fetus. This first stool he made into the amniotic
fluid before the baby is born can escape to the baby's lungs during childbirth
and even in the womb. This condition called meconium aspiration can cause
serious problems in the baby. In addition, some of the babies born out of day
may be large babies. There may be a decrease in the baby's water
(oligohydramnios), which increases some risks, such as cord compression.
Dysmatitis
(postmatitis) syndrome:
Postmatitis syndrome occurs in approximately one-third of the
overdue baby in extremely prolonged pregnancies. It is characterized by a
wrinkled, dry and cracked skin, long nails, long hair, hypotonia, meconium-dyed
yellow-brown skin, usually due to loss of subcutaneous fat stores. The baby has
a thin long body structure, anxious looking eyes.
Treatment:
Pregnancy should be followed up with a close follow-up until
42 weeks. There is a follow-up to whether there is a decrease in baby movements
and the mother is also withdrawn every 2-3 days from 40 weeks. If necessary,
ultrasound and other tests can be added. If no problem is found, birth is
induced at the 41st or 42nd week. If there is no obstetric obstacle for normal
delivery, birth is attempted with artificial pain, if there is a condition
preventing normal delivery (large baby, incompatibility of the mother's pelvis,
etc.), then pregnancy is terminated by cesarean section.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
- Overdue pregnancy is more common in pregnancies with a baby
boy.
- Late birth may occur in placental sulfatase deficiency.
(Occurs only in male fetuses.)
-OVERDUE PREGNANCY
-INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION IN PREGNANCY
-BLOOD INCOMPATIBILITY
-CHORIOAMNIONITIS
-STILLBIRTH
