It is also known as postdated pregnancy, prolonged pregnancy or post mature birth. After 42 weeks the placenta which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the baby from the mother starts aging and will eventually fail. The fetus passes fecal matter and develops difficulty in breathing.

It is a condition in which the baby has not born after 42 weeks.

Symptoms

• Post mature newborn has dry, loose skin and may appear emaciated.
• Overgrowth nails.
• Abundant scalp hair.
• Minimal fat deposits..
• Visible creases on palms and soles of feet.
• Staining of skin and nail beds with meconium.
• Low blood sugar.
• Methods to monitor post-mature babies:
• Fetal movement recording.
• Electronic fetal monitoring.
• Ultrasound scan.
• Biophysical profile.
• Doppler flow study.

 Complications of post maturity

• Asphyxia.
• Meconium aspiration syndrome.
• Neonatal hypoglycemia.

Treatment

• Resuscitation.
• Oxygen.
• Intravenous glucose solutions or frequent breast milk or formula feedings are given to prevent hypoglycemia.