children s health issues
Postterm Newborns
Introduction
A postterm newborn is a baby delivered at or after 42 weeks of gestation. Near the end of a term pregnancy, the function of the placenta decreases, providing fewer nutrients and less oxygen to the fetus. Low blood sugar (glucose) is a particular problem in postterm newborns. Postterm newborns have dry, peeling, loose skin and may appear abnormally thin because they have not received sufficient nutrition at the end of the pregnancy. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the newborn and the estimated gestational age. Typically treatment is focused on providing good nutrition and general care. Some postterm newborns are not breathing at birth and need to be revived (resuscitated). (See also Overview of General Problems in Newborns .) Gestational agerefers to the number of weeks of pregnancy. The gestational age is determined by counting the number of weeks between the first day of the mother's last menstrual period and the day of delivery. This time frame is often adjusted according to other information doctors receive, including the results of early ultrasound scans, which give additional information regarding the gestational age. The baby is estimated to be due (the due date) at 40 weeks of gestation. Newborns are classified by gestational age as Preterm (Premature) Newborns : Delivered before 37 weeks of gestation Full term: Delivered at 37 to before 42 weeks of gestation Postterm Newborns : Delivered at 42 weeks or more of gestation Postterm delivery is much less common than Preterm (Premature) Newborns . Why a pregnancy continues beyond term is usually unknown. Pregnant people who have had one postterm delivery are at increased risk of having another one. Near the end of a term pregnancy, the Problems With Amniotic Fluid and the placenta (the organ that provides nourishment to the fetus) becomes smaller and less effective in providing oxygen and nutrients. To compensate, the fetus begins to use its own fat and carbohydrates (sugars) to provide energy. As a result, its growth rate slows, and its weight may even decrease. 