Value of ultrasonography in the prediction of postmaturity and in improving pregnancy outcome in post-term pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Forty women in whom pregnancy has extended beyond 42 weeks has been studied by ultrasonography to assess its value in the prediction of post-maturity and in improving the outcome in post-date pregnancy. Post-maturity was found in 25% of cases of post-date pregnancy. The most valuable ultrasonic finding in the prediction of post-maturity was found to be oligohydramnios, 87.5% of cases of oligohydramnios have given birth to post-mature infants and 90.6% of post-date pregnancies with adequate amount of amniotic fluid gave birth to term appearing infants. The outcome of pregnancy was favourable in all cases without post-maturity however respiratory distress happened in half of the post-mature, infants, but no deaths occurred among them. Placental grading, gross fetal body motion as well as fetal respiratory movements were of limited value in the prediction of post-maturity in post-date pregnancy, but if grade [0] or [1] placenta is found, the pregnancy dates should be highly suspected. So, ultrasonography is mandatory in all cases of post-date pregnancy for prediction of post-maturity and taking the necessary measures as regards management as well as the immediate neonatal care and so the outcome of pregnancy could be improved