Survey of the Management of Postterm Pregnancy

Abstract

A survey of the management of postterm pregnancy was conducted among the 80 institutions with approved maternal-fetal medicine programs. Seventy-two (90%) completed questionnaires were received. After 42 weeks' gestation, when the cervix is unfavorable for induction, the nonstress test is the most commonly used test to assess fetal well-being (84.7%). In 50% of the institutions, pregnancy is terminated at some point beyond the 42nd week, in spite of an unripe cervix and lack of evidence of fetal compromise. In the other half, intervention does not take place under such conditions. The need for more consistent guidelines for the management of postterm pregnancy is emphasized.