Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. However, not all babies are born exactly when expected.

While some babies arrive early, others may be born after the 40-week mark. A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks is referred to as a post-term pregnancy. Such pregnancies pose specific health risks to the baby.

Risks of Post-Term Pregnancy for Babies

Although some babies born after 40 weeks can develop healthily, the longer the pregnancy lasts, the higher the risk of complications. Below are some potential risks for post-term babies:

Decreased Placental Function

The placenta is a vital organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby while removing the baby’s waste. The placenta’s function can decline due to pregnancy complications, certain health conditions, or as the pregnancy progresses.

As placental function diminishes, the baby may receive insufficient oxygen and nutrients. A reduced oxygen supply can lead to oxygen deprivation, which may impact the baby's brain and organ development.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a serious issue that newborns, especially those born after 40 weeks, can face. This occurs when the baby inhales its first stool, known as meconium. It can lead to breathing difficulties, lung infections, and even meconium pneumonia.

Babies with this syndrome typically struggle to breathe, requiring immediate intervention to clear meconium from the respiratory tract. Prompt action is crucial to ensure the baby gets sufficient oxygen and to prevent complications associated with meconium.

Macrosomia

Babies born after 40 weeks may be at risk of macrosomia, a condition where the newborn weighs over 4 kilograms at birth.

Macrosomia can lead to complications during labor, including difficulty with vaginal delivery, an increased likelihood of needing a cesarean section, perineal tears, breathing problems, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in newborns.

Dry and Flaky Skin

Babies born post-term often experience dry, flaky skin. This is due to a lack of vernix caseosa, a natural protective coating on the baby’s skin while in the womb.

As the pregnancy extends, the layer of vernix caseosa naturally decreases. Without this layer, a baby's skin is more likely to become dry and flaky at birth.

To mitigate these risks, pregnant women should attend regular prenatal check-ups with a doctor or midwife. Medical professionals can monitor and evaluate the pregnancy’s progress, helping to prevent overdue labor and reduce the chance of complications.

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