User:Mr. Ibrahem/Postterm pregnancy

Postterm pregnancy is when a woman has not delivered before 42 weeks of gestation. At birth the baby may have dry or yellowish skin, little fat, and greater hair on their head. Complications for the baby can include meconium aspiration syndrome, abnormal growth, and stillbirth. Complications for the mother can include postpartum bleeding and perineal injury.

The cause is generally unknown. Risk factors include first pregnancy, obesity, older age of the mother, and genetics. Diagnosis is based on gestational age determined either from the first day of the last menstrual period or by ultrasound. Late-term is used to describe pregnancies that are 41 weeks.

Recommended management is by labor induction, which may be considered as early as 41 weeks gestation. If induction is not chosen at 41 weeks, than testing the baby twice a week is recommended. Delivery is more urgent if a nonreassuring fetal heart rate or low amniotic fluid is present. Delivery can also occur by C-section. Postterm pregnancy occurs in about 7% of pregnancies; though is less common in areas which commonly carry out earlier induction.