Management and Outcome of Postdated Pregnancy at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Background: Postdated pregnancy complicates about 10% of all gestation and is associated with an increase in perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study was designed to observe fetal as well as maternal outcome in the management of postdated pregnancies admitted into Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Methods: The study was carried out from July 2008 to June 2010. 100 cases of postdated pregnancies were included. Patients’ age, occupation, parity, mode of delivery, the indication of LUCS, fetal & maternal outcomes were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. Results were expressed as Mean± SD, actual number and percentage of total where applicable.

Results: Mean age (±SD) was 21.3 (±5.32) years. 90% were housewives, 5% were in service and 5% were in other occupations. 53% were nullipara, 21% para-2, 18% were para-3, 8% were para-4.57% of the study patients underwent caesarean section and 43% underwent vaginal delivery. Fetal distress (n=34), non-progression of labour (n=19), cord prolapse (n=1) & CPD (n=3) were the causes of LUCS. Regarding fetal outcome, healthy babies were 76%, meconium aspiration 13%, birth asphyxia 11%. Among birth asphyxia, neonatal death was 1% & still born was 2%. Maternal complications at delivery were tear in the genital tract 8%, PPH 5% & wound infection in 4% cases.

Conclusion: Here, still-birth rate was 2% (normally about 1 in 3000 deliveries) and perinatal mortality rate is 3% (normally about 2-3 in 1000 deliveries). So, patients should be encouraged to attend regular antenatal check up to prevent postdated pregnancy and its complications.

TAJ 2018; 31(2): 50-53