Post-term pregnancy is associated with increased risk for which neonatal complication?

• A. Neonatal anemia
• B. Peripartum asphyxia
• C. Neonatal jaundice
• D. Placental abruption

Answer: (B)

Post-term pregnancy places the placenta under more strain because its function gradually declines as gestation extends beyond 42 weeks. This reduced placental reserve can lead to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus during labor. When the fetus becomes hypoxic around the time of birth, the result is peripartum asphyxia—impaired gas exchange that can cause acidosis and potential organ injury if not promptly addressed. While post-term labor can also raise the risk of meconium passage, the direct neonatal complication most linked to the prolonged gestation is hypoxic injury at birth, i.e., peripartum asphyxia. Neonatal anemia, jaundice, or abruptio placentae are not as specifically associated with post-term status.