Any pregnancy exceeding 42 completed weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP) is known as a prolonged pregnancy or post-term pregnancy. Without proper management, postmaturity carries risk of perinatal mortality, which includes stillbirth and death of the baby due to problems during delivery. Accurate assessment of gestational age is important to prevent misdiagnosis. First trimester ultrasound may be a better way of assessing duration of pregnancy rather than LMP. Recurrence is possible in subsequent pregnancies.
After delivery, most women are curious and concerned about when they will get their periods, if it will be any different from menstruation before childbirth, or whether there will be any changes in their periods if they are breastfeeding. A lot of changes take place in a woman’s body following pregnancy, childbirth and during lactation, but these changes are by no means the same in every woman.
The blood stained vaginal discharge continuing after delivery is mistaken by some women as menstruation. This discharge is known as “lochia” and consists of blood mixed with mucus and endometrial tissue lining the uterus. The lochia will gradually diminish in amount in a week or two but may continue for up to 6 weeks after delivery.
The thought of childbirth or delivery can be daunting and extremely scary, especially if this is your first baby. The uncertainty and lack of knowledge of what is transpire is the main hurdle that a first time mother has to overcome. Childbirth classes can be helpful to you prepare for this final stage of your pregnancy and answer many of your questions.
Alternatively you can discuss your concerns with your gynecologist and obstetrician who will direct you to appropriate reading material and videos on the labor process.
