Impact of Prolonged Pregnancy on Mode of Delivery and Fetal Outcome

Abstract

Background: The “term pregnancy” is defined as the pregnancy that ends between 259 and 294 days (37-42 weeks) of pregnancy from the 1st day of last menstrual period. If the pregnancy continues beyond this mentioned period, it is called prolonged pregnancy. Post-term Pregnancy is one of the commonest obstetric conditions which associated with an increased risk of fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity as well as an increased maternal morbidity.Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of mode of delivery and fetal outcomes in prolonged pregnancy.Material and Methods: It is a Descriptive cross sectional study, conducted from 28th Aug, 2019 to 28thFeb, 2020 at Department of Obs & Gynae, MTI-HMC Peshawar. Sample size was 125 keeping 11% proportion of patients having poor apgar score with 95% confidence interval, 5% level of significance.5% margin of error. Sample collection was accomplished by non-probability, consecutive sampling technique. All patients between 18-40 years of age with 42 weeks of gestation or more by dates or dating scan admitted to Gynae Ward/Labour room, having regular cycles were included in the study.Results: As per descriptive statistics, mean and SDs for age was 25±4.90. Mean and SDs for gravidity was recorded as 2±0.58. Mean and SDs for parity was 2±0.58. Mean and SDs for Apgar score was recorded as 8±0.89. 28 (22.4%) patients were obese. In this study 14 (11.2%) neonates had poor apgar score. Normal vaginal delivery 66(52.8%) was the Frequent mode of delivery followed by assisted vaginal deliveries 48(38.4%) and Caesarean section11(8.8%).Conclusion: In this study, we have concluded that pregnancy should not be allowed to go post-term due to association of higher neonatal morbidity and mortality rate, and should be managed before 42 weeks of gestation.Keywords: Fetal outcome, Post term pregnancy, Poor Apgar Score