Risk of major labour-related complications for pregnancies progressing to 42 weeks or beyond

Abstract

Background: Post-term gestation beyond 41+6 completed weeks of gestation is known to be associated with a sharp increase in the risk of stillbirth and perinatal mortality. However, the risk of common adverse outcomes related to labour, such as shoulder dystocia and post-partum haemorrhage for those delivering at this advanced gestation, remains poorly characterised. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of adverse, labour-related outcomes for women progressing to 42 weeks gestation or beyond, compared with those giving birth at 39 completed weeks. Methods: We performed a state-wide cohort study using routinely collected perinatal data in Australia. Comparing the two gestation c..