The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

Background: Postdate pregnancy is pregnancy last longer than estimated date of confinement which is known as due date. Postdate pregnancy can be considered as high-risk factor from the point of increasing maternal & neonatal morbidity & mortality. Aim: to identify whether the pregnancy beyond the expected date of delivery has negative effects on the health of mother & neonate.
Study design: This is a prospective case-control study done from (1st Jan. 2020-1st Jan.2021). It includes (600) pregnant women admitted with spontaneous labor or for induction of labor. They were divided into (350) pregnant women as control with gestational age (37 weeks completed -40 weeks) & (250) pregnant women as cases with gestational age (beyond 40 weeks - 42 weeks completed). Estimation of the gestational age based on the last menstrual period & early first trimester ultrasound.
Results: Those with postdate pregnancy were mainly of young age group (62.4%) & multiparous (55.6%). Induction of labor done in (46.4%). Cesarean section rate was (22.4%) mainly for fetal distress (66%). Postpartum hemorrhage consequent to uterine atony was the main maternal complication (16.4%). The newborns had favorable outcome with Apgar score (i. e ≥7) in (77.6%). They were macrosomic (19.2%). Male gender was the predominant sex (68.4%). Meconium-stained liquor affect (23.2%); (12.4%) had meconium aspiration syndrome & (18.8%) admitted to intensive care unit.
Conclusion: Postdate pregnancy negatively affect both maternal & neonatal health by increasing postpartum hemorrhage & cesarean section rate as well as neonatal macrosomia, meconium staining & aspiration.