42 weeks of gestation before giving birth, what are the dangers?

A pregnant woman is said to be postterm if her pregnancy has passed 42 weeks (294 days) from the first day of her last menstrual period or after the estimated day of delivery for more than 14 days, but has not yet given birth. Postterm pregnancy can cause complications for both the mother and the fetus. What causes the 42 weeks gestation to not give birth, and what are the dangers? Check out the following explanation.

42 weeks of gestation before giving birth, why?

Postterm pregnancy is also known as serotonic pregnancy or overdue pregnancy. The cause of post-term pregnancy has not been determined.

However, one of the most common risk factors for postterm pregnancy is confusion over the date of the first day of last menstruation (LMP). In fact, HPHT remains important information for doctors to estimate the date of delivery even though they will ensure a more accurate fetal condition and gestational age through ultrasound in the first trimester.

Some other things that are also risk factors for postterm pregnancy are:

Obese mothers during pregnancy.
Previous postterm pregnancy history.
Sulfate deficiency in the placenta (a very rare genetic disorder).

What are the possible complications of postterm pregnancy?

The results of data from Riskesdas (Basic Health Research) in 2010 stated that the incidence of post-term pregnancies (more than 42-43 weeks) in Indonesia is around 10 percent.

Postterm pregnancy in general can increase the risk of maternal and fetal death during childbirth, due to:

Macrosomia

Macrosomia is the medical term for babies born weighing more than 4500 grams (> 4 kg). Babies that are too big take longer and a more complicated process to be born. This can increase the risk of the baby's shoulder dystocia which can lead to severe injury, asphyxia (suffocation from lack of oxygen), and even death.

Macrosomia is also frequently associated with risk factors for jaundice, diabetes, obesity and other metabolic syndromes in children.

Placental insufficiency

Placental insufficiency occurs when the placenta is no longer able to meet the oxygen and nutritional needs of the fetus. The placenta will reach its maximum size at 37 weeks of gestation.

If the gestational age of 42 weeks has not yet given birth, the placenta will begin to decline in function over time so that the fetus cannot get adequate oxygen and nutrition intake. This increases the risk of the fetus experiencing health problems in the womb. Lack of oxygen can cause cerebral palsy and impaired growth and development.

Aspiration of meconium

Aspiration of meconium is a medical condition that is quite dangerous when the fetus inhales / consumes the amniotic fluid and feces first (meconium) in the womb.

This condition can cause the baby to become deprived of oxygen and experience infection and inflammation of the lungs. Although rare, meconium aspiration can also cause permanent brain damage and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn / PPHN) due to lack of oxygen.

Maternal death during childbirth

Postterm pregnancy is one of the main risk factors for maternal death during childbirth due to heavy bleeding or septic infection.

Postterm pregnancy also increases the risk of having a cesarean delivery.

How to prevent postterm pregnancy?

Postterm pregnancy and all its possible risks can be prevented from an early age by routinely checking the uterus since the first trimester. Do regular ultrasounds so that you can know the development of the baby and the baby's age with more certainty.

If there is a difference between the estimated age of the fetus with the doctor's date and ultrasound calculation, use the gestational age determined based on the ultrasound results.

In addition, you should always try to record the date of your menstrual cycle before planning a pregnancy. These notes will be useful for your doctor to estimate your estimated due date, as well as to find out if you have a menstrual cycle disorder or not.

What should I do if I have a postterm pregnancy?

If you are more than 42 weeks pregnant but have not given birth, do not panic and immediately consult a doctor about your condition.

The doctor can suggest starting to induce labor or giving birth by cesarean if possible, especially after checking the condition of the amniotic fluid is getting low and fetal movements begin to weaken.