When a woman's expected date of delivery (EDD) has passed and she doesn't feel any sign of labour, it's called post- term pregnancy or prolonged pregnancy, this means the pregnancy has gone beyond 40 weeks, especially after 41- 42 weeks.
✔Possible reasons
1: Wrong date calculation: the pregnancy might not be as far along as believed (especially if the women didn't have an early ultrasound).
2: Genetic factors: some women naturally carry pregnancies a little longer, especially if it runs in the family.
3: Hormonal imbalance: sometimes the body doesn't release enough hormones to start labour.
4: First pregnancy: labour can take longer to start in first - time mothers.
✔: Risks if Pregnancy Gose Too Long:
if the pregnancy goes past 41- 42 weeks, there can be health risks such as:
●Placenta aging: the placenta may stop supplying enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
●Reduce amniotic fluid: this can cause umbilical cord compression and affect the baby's breathing.
●Big baby ( macrosomia ): makes vaginal delivery harder and increases the chance of tears or needing a C- section.
●Stillbirth (in rare cases): if the baby remains too long in the womb.
✔What Should Be Done:
If the due date has passed:
📌If everything is fine:
The doctor may allow a few more days while closely monitoring you.
📌If the baby or placenta shows any problem, or the pregnancy is over 41- 42 weeks:
