Fetomaternal Outcomes of Postdated Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: With increasing gestational age, the risk to the mother and the foetus increases. Our research aims to examine maternal and foetal outcomes in pregnancies that go over the scheduled delivery date in order to establish safe induction times and the most suitable delivery method. Method: This was a 6-month prospective observational study conducted in the Department of obstetrics and gynaecology, LD Hospital GMC Srinagar from July 2017 to December 2017. The patient provided written, fully informed consent. The non-random sampling strategy resulted in the inclusion of 100 patients in total. Results: We observed that with an average gestational age of (40.8±2.76) weeks, majority of our patients (77.8%) had gestational age of 40-41 weeks. Majority of our patients (65.6%) had NVD mode of delivery. Meconium stain liquor with fetal distress was indication for cesarean section for 29% of patients, followed by failure of induction as the cesarean indication for 25.8% patients. Respiratory distress syndrome was evident in 8.9%, meconium aspiration syndrome was found in 6.7% patients, 3.3% and there were two neonatal deaths. Conclusion: Fetal discomfort, meconium aspiration syndrome, and foetal hypoxia were all connected with postdated pregnancy among other perinatal issues. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), perineal tears, cervical tears, and shoulder dystocia were among the consequences of childbirth that were more likely to occur. Obstetricians find managing postdated pregnancies challenging, but with good advice and monitoring, they can reduce maternal anxiety and unfavourable outcomes. Keywords: Last menstrual period, Maternal complication, Postdated, Pregnancy outcome