Post-Maturity

DEFINITION

Postmaturity is a condition where the baby was born after a gestation exceeds 42 weeks.

CAUSE

The cause of post-maturity is usually not known.

SYMPTOMS

Physical description of post-mature baby:

·         The length of age, but low body weight so that it looks thin, especially if the function of the placenta is decreased

·         Drying and flaking

·         Toenails and fingernails long

·         Little fat under the skin so the skin on the arms and legs seemed to sag

·         Fingernails and greenish colored cord if meconium (the baby's first stool) has come out into the amniotic fluid

Most of the pregnancies were slightly exceed the age of 41-42 weeks did not experience any problems. However, if it exceeds that time, there could be a variety of disorders, due to placental function often begins to decline. Placenta start can not provide sufficient nutrients to the fetus in the womb.

Complications that can occur in infants postmature:

·         Decrease in blood sugar levels, because the baby has a lot to lose fat and carbohydrate reserves.

·         Fetal distress, if the placenta can not provide enough oxygen, especially during childbirth. The fetus is also susceptible to injury to the brain and other organs due to lack of oxygen.

·         Meconium aspiration. Fetal distress conditions can cause the release of meconium (first stool issued by the fetus) into the amniotic fluid. In addition, the fetal distress can arise reflex to draw a deep breath. As a result, the amniotic fluid mixed with meconium into the lungs before the fetus is born. After birth, the newborn may have difficulty breathing due to the meconium aspiration.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on clinical picture and the estimated time of delivery.

TREATMENT

If the baby postmature not experience any problems at birth, the main treatment is to provide good nutrition so that newborns can pursue weight according to age.

For infants postmature decreasing oxygen levels and fetal distress may require resuscitation at birth. If there is meconium in the amniotic fluid and the baby looks letargis, then a small hose needs to be inserted into the airway to suck as much as possible who have inhaled meconium. If meconium has been entered into the lungs, then the baby may require the help of a tool to be able to breathe (ventilator).

Administration of glucose solution needed to prevent hypoglycemia in infants postmature, which can be intravenously or breastfeeding / formula that often.

PREVENTION

To prevent the various circumstances that may occur due to pregnancy more months, it can be done induction of labor if the pregnancy has reached the age of 41-42 weeks or more. Sometimes a cesarean section can be done to end a pregnancy.

REFERENCE

- K, Arthur E. postmaturity. Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. 2009.

- K, James W. Postmature Infant. The Merck Manual. 2012.

- M, Julie S. postterm Pregnancy and postmaturity. Merck Manual Handbook. 2013.