Post-term pregnancies increase the risk of:

Post-term pregnancies, defined as those that extend beyond 42 weeks of gestation, pose several risks for both the mother and the fetus. The correct answer, which identifies oligohydramnios as a risk associated with post-term pregnancies, is based on several factors related to the aging placenta and the potential reduction in amniotic fluid production.

As the pregnancy progresses past the due date, the function of the placenta may decline, leading to decreased perfusion and potential complications for the fetus. One of these complications can be oligohydramnios, characterized by a diminished amount of amniotic fluid. This condition can occur due to the reduced ability of the placenta to sustain normal fetal urine production, which is a significant contributor to the volume of amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios can in turn lead to further complications such as fetal distress and increased risk for cord compression.

Understanding this phenomenon is essential for monitoring fetal health and making appropriate clinical decisions. Increased surveillance, the potential need for interventions, and considering delivery timing become critical factors for healthcare providers managing post-term pregnancies with suspected oligohydramnios.

While other risks associated with post-term pregnancies, such as meconium aspiration syndrome and prolonged labor, are significant, they stem