Index
There are several rules that we are used to listening to throughout our lives that do not apply during pregnancy. It is usually common sense or superstitions that have come to be true for many people about how a pregnant woman should feel or about how long it takes for the baby to be born. The truth is that not all bodies work the same way and that does not necessarily mean that there is a problem if yours does not fall under these rules. There are, however, cases such as those of prolonged pregnancy , which can occur for several reasons and which need medical supervision in order not to become a major problem. How to deal with this type of situation? It is this subject that we will deal with in today’s text. Read and answer all your questions on the subject.
What is a Prolonged Pregnancy?
First of all, it is necessary to know what is considered a prolonged pregnancy. According to the Ministry of Health, a common pregnancy occurs between 40 and 42 weeks. After this period, there is the pregnancy that is called post-term. Knowing this information, we can go directly to the causes of prolonged pregnancy. These causes, although often unknown, may be directly related to the mother’s obesity or her advanced age . This phenomenon is also more likely to happen to women who have been through a similar situation before, although this is not a rule.
What are the Risks of Prolonged Pregnancy?
Post-term pregnancy, as well as premature pregnancy , can bring some risks for both the baby and the mother. We will talk a little more about what they are, what can be done to prevent this from having consequences for both of them and to live a normal life after childbirth .
Baby Risks
Among the risks that the baby takes because of prolonged pregnancy, the main one is the deterioration of the placenta, the aging of the placenta . It turns out that, with the delivery getting closer and closer, the placenta starts to distribute less nutrients to the baby and begins to prepare to be expelled at the end of labor . When a post-term pregnancy occurs, there is a danger that the baby will lose nutrients, which can leave him with several sequelae.
Risks to the Mother
For the mother, the health risks are not so serious, but they can affect her in the same way. There is a possibility that the baby will continue to grow, which makes labor can be much more complicated. There is the possibility of inducing labor or, in some cases, cesarean surgery is necessary.
Until When Is It Safe To Expect Childbirth?
Who will answer this question exactly for each case is the specialized doctor. However, it is possible to state that there are some cases in which childbirth is no longer safe and caesarean section is necessary. When there is a risky pregnancy , for example, and it is also prolonged, the number of problems that can arise is too great for the doctor to expect a normal delivery. In addition, each case has its specificities, that is, there are specific risks that can be taken by you and not by other mothers and vice versa. So it is not possible to say exactly when it is safe to wait for a normal delivery, but it is important to know that, at some point, waiting will no longer be safe.
Possible Post-Term Baby Complications
Once the post-term baby is born, he must undergo several tests in order for his health to be monitored and verified. Neonatal care needs to be done intensively, since a baby is delicate in itself and the fact of being post-term ends up making it worse. It is common for the baby to be born with drier skin, large nails and hair with little fat, although this is not a rule or something necessarily bad.
Is it possible to accelerate childbirth?
Yes, there are some things that can be done to make childbirth accelerated or induced, but you need to be very careful and do not do it at all on your own, as you may end up harming the baby or even harming your body and making delivery difficult. The practice of physical exercises, keeping warm and even having sexual relations help to induce labor.
It is important, however, that you talk to your doctor before taking any of these steps with the intention of speeding up delivery. His help and advice will be the final word on what is and is not healthy for you.
A prolonged pregnancy can have several consequences for both the baby and the mother, but this does not necessarily mean that they will be directly or
permanently affected . This is a problem where you need to be aware and where medical supervision is extremely necessary. It is not uncommon for cases of post-term newborns to enjoy full physical and mental health, which is why prolonged pregnancy should not be treated as a gigantic problem or with despair. And if the baby has problems, treatments for all of them exist and will be at your disposal. The important thing is to know what it is about and not to despair at any time. Remember: Your baby will still need you a lot.
See Also: Premature Childbirth – Why Does It Occur?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
