Post-date pregnancy causes and concerns

David Miller, MD Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, explains the causes and concerns about post-date pregnancy
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Post-date pregnancy causes and concerns

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Post-date pregnancy is an unofficial term that is usually used to describe a pregnancy that has progressed beyond the due date, usually considered as 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. The term used by the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology to describe a prolonged pregnancy is post-term pregnancy, that's calculated as 42 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Regardless of the duration of time beyond the due date, there are a number of complications that can occur. Number 1, the placenta is designed to function for a finite period of time, and once that period of time is exhausted, the placenta can begin to function less effectively. If that happens, the fetus can receive fewer nutrients and can receive less oxygen, and as a result can produce less amniotic fluid, and can begin to slow in growth, and even become growth restricted. Once a pregnancy has passed the due date, you and your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits and make a decision about the most appropriate time and location and method of delivery.

David Miller, MD Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, explains the causes and concerns about post-date pregnancy

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David Miller, MD

Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles

David A. Miller, MD, is Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.  He is the Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Director of the CHLA-USC Institute for Maternal Fetal Health, a unique alliance of medical leaders from Children's Hospital Los Angeles and USC, specializing in interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of complex fetal abnormalities.  Dr. Miller graduated from USC, attended medical school at the University of Arkansas, did his internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and came back to USC for fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Perinatology).  He has been a researcher, clinician and educator at USC for more than 20 years.  Dr. Miller has published extensively in the area of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and has won numerous awards and honors including Best Doctors in America from 2001-present.

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Transcription: 
Post-date pregnancy is an unofficial term that is usually used to describe a pregnancy that has progressed beyond the due date, usually considered as 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. The term used by the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology to describe a prolonged pregnancy is post-term pregnancy, that's calculated as 42 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Regardless of the duration of time beyond the due date, there are a number of complications that can occur. Number 1, the placenta is designed to function for a finite period of time, and once that period of time is exhausted, the placenta can begin to function less effectively. If that happens, the fetus can receive fewer nutrients and can receive less oxygen, and as a result can produce less amniotic fluid, and can begin to slow in growth, and even become growth restricted. Once a pregnancy has passed the due date, you and your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits and make a decision about the most appropriate time and location and method of delivery.