A STUDY OF RISK FACTORS, CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND OUTCOME OF POSTDATED PREGNANCY

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the frequency of risk factors as well as maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with post-date pregnancies.

Study design: Descriptive case series

Place and duration: Obstetrical and Gynecological department of Gulab Devi Hospital, Lahore, for a duration of 6 months, i.e., from Dec/2025 to May/2026.

Methodology: A total of 185 patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were enrolled after taking written informed consent. Risk factors were assessed. The patients were followed up to 24 hours after delivery, and any maternal and fetal outcomes were recorded. All findings were analyzed statistically.

Results: The median (IQR) age was 32 (7) years. Among the risk factors, 27 (14.6%) patients had macrosomia, 47 (25.4%) were primigravida, and 33 (17.8%) had a history of post-dated pregnancies. Among fetal outcomes, 47 (25.4%) had fetal distress, 22 (11.9%) had meconium aspiration syndrome, 20 (10.8%) had meconium-stained liquor, and 18 (9.7%) patients had oligohydramnios. Among maternal outcomes, 11 (5.9%) had cephalopelvic disproportion, 22 (11.9%) had postpartum hemorrhage, and 54 (29.2%) had delivery via cesarean section.

Conclusions: Frequent risk factors in post-dated pregnancies were being primigravida and having a previous history of post-dated pregnancy; the frequent fetal outcome was fetal distress and meconium aspiration syndrome, and the frequent maternal outcome was delivery via cesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage.