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Review

Contemporary management of post-term pregnancy: how long is too long?

, &
Pages 755-764 | Published online: 10 Jan 2014
 

Abstract

The timely onset of labor and delivery is an important determinant of perinatal outcome. Post-term (prolonged) pregnancy refers to any pregnancy that continues beyond 42 weeks (294 days) of gestation. It complicates 10% of all deliveries and is associated with increased perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including stillbirth, birth injury, meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal encephalopathy and infant mortality. Post-term pregnancy also poses significant risk to the mother, including an increased risk of cesarean delivery, severe perineal injury and postpartum hemorrhage. Fortunately, post-term pregnancy can be avoided by earlier induction of labor. The risks of continuing pregnancy beyond the due date, the option of induction of labor and the management of low-risk post-term pregnancies are reviewed.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

Data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin Citation[1].

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