Late term

Late Term

A Late Term refers to the final stages of a specific period, most commonly used in the context of pregnancy. In pregnancy, the late term is defined as a period that starts from the 41st week and ends at the end of the 41st week of gestation. This term is used to describe pregnancies that have extended beyond the normal or average length of term, which is typically around 40 weeks.

Definition

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) define "late term" as a pregnancy that has reached between 41 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 6 days of gestation. The term "postterm" is used to describe pregnancies that have reached or exceeded 42 weeks, 0 days of gestation.

Risks and Complications

Late term pregnancies can carry certain risks and complications. These may include a higher risk of cesarean section, labor complications, and post-maturity syndrome. There is also an increased risk of stillbirth and neonatal morbidity.

Management

Management of late term pregnancies often involves careful monitoring of the mother and fetus. This may include non-stress tests, biophysical profile assessments, and Doppler ultrasonography of the umbilical artery. In some cases, induction of labor may be recommended.

See Also

• Preterm birth
• Full term
• Postterm birth