The Fetomaternal Outcome in Pregnancy beyond 40 Weeks of Gestation at a Tertiary Center

Abstract

Aims and background: Any pregnancy duration extending beyond 294 days is prolonged. These pregnancies do have higher chances of complications. Pregnancies beyond 40 weeks or 280 days are also associated with compromised fetomaternal outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the fetomaternal outcome in pregnancies after 40 weeks of gestation. Materials and methods: In this prospective observational study of 14 months duration, both primigravida and multigravida crossing 40 weeks of pregnancy were included. Complicated pregnancies and fetal anomalies were excluded. The spontaneous labor or induction rate, mode of delivery, and fetomaternal complications were evaluated. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Most primigravidas needed induction of labor compared to multigravida. The induced group had higher cesarean section rates, 59.37%, than the spontaneous group, 19.44%, which is statistically significant. Maternal morbidities at <40 weeks pregnancies are found in 16.58% of cases and 29.6% of cases between 41 and 42 weeks. Perinatal morbidity is seen in 35.7% of pregnancies in less than 41 weeks and 100% of cases crossing 42 weeks. Conclusion: Pregnancies beyond 40 weeks are associated with higher complication rates, which increase as gestational age (GA) increases. Clinical significance: All pregnancies beyond 40 weeks should be categorized as high risk and monitored intensively.