Management of Post-Term Pregnancy

WHEN pregnancy is prolonged beyond 42 weeks of gestation, perinatal mortality increases. The nadir of perinatal mortality, 7 per 1000 live births, is at a weight of about 3500 g and a gestational age of 39 weeks. At 41 weeks of gestation the rate is 9 per 1000 live births, and it continues to rise thereafter. 1 Post-term pregnancies are those that exceed 42 weeks; about 10 percent of pregnancies are post-term. 2 In contrast to post-term fetuses, a postmature fetus is defined as one who has outgrown the ability of the placenta to supply oxygen and nutrients and is at risk . . .