Understanding Post-Term Pregnancy and Brain Injury Risk
When pregnancy extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation, medical professionals classify it as post-term or prolonged pregnancy. While most deliveries occur naturally between 37 and 42 weeks, approximately 7% of pregnancies continue past the 42-week threshold [Source: PMC, 2014]. This seemingly small percentage represents thousands of families who face heightened risks during what should be the final days before meeting their newborn.
Post-term pregnancies present unique medical challenges. After 42 weeks, the placenta—which supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby—begins to age and deteriorate. This natural aging process can compromise blood flow and oxygen delivery, creating conditions that may lead to serious brain injuries if medical providers fail to monitor and intervene appropriately [Source: Stanford Children’s Health, 2024].
Critical Fact: Perinatal mortality at 42 weeks is approximately twice that of term pregnancies (4-7 versus 2-3 per 1,000 deliveries), and this risk increases fourfold at 43 weeks [Source: PMC, 2014].
