children s health issues
Postterm Newborns
Complications during and after delivery
If the placenta shrinks enough, it may not provide adequate oxygen to the fetus, particularly during labor (see Birth Asphyxia ). A lack of adequate oxygen may result in Fetal distress can cause the fetus to pass meconium (the fetus' stools) into the amniotic fluid. The fetus may reflexively take deep, gasping breaths triggered by the distress and thereby inhale the meconium-containing amniotic fluid into the lungs before birth. As a result, the newborn may have difficulty breathing after delivery ( Meconium Aspiration Syndrome ). If the pregnancy continues significantly beyond term, the fetus may die. After delivery, postterm newborns are prone to developing low blood sugar (glucose) levels ( Hypoglycemia ) because they have exhausted their supply of stored fat and carbohydrates or because they have a high level of 