Final answer:
Postterm pregnancies have increased risks such as stillbirth, neonatal complications, and complex deliveries, requiring close fetal and maternal monitoring before and after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Postterm or prolonged pregnancies, which extend beyond the usual 40-week gestation period, carry several increased risks that must be closely monitored. The placenta ages and may not provide adequate support to the fetus, raising the risk of stillbirth and neonatal complications. There is also a greater risk of fetal macrosomia, which may lead to delivery complications, such as shoulder dystocia. The amniotic fluid may decrease, leading to oligohydramnios, which can cause umbilical cord compression and, in turn, fetal distress. To ensure safety, healthcare providers often perform non-stress tests, monitor amniotic fluid levels, and may schedule induction of labor or a cesarean section to prevent potential complications.
Additionally, fetal movement counts and ultrasonography are used to assess the fetus's condition. Monitoring continues post-delivery, where the obstetrician must check the expelled placenta and fetal membranes for completeness to avoid the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine involution and breastfeeding are natural processes that help the mother's body recover after childbirth, reducing postpartum risks.