Background information:

A pregnancy that continues to 40 full weeks of gestation or more is referred to as post-date; this type of pregnancy happens with an approximate frequency of 3-12% (1). Studies have claimed to global incidence to be 5-10% which may vary among countries (2). Studies have shown that Previous history of post-term pregnancy, family history of post-term pregnancy, and having a male fetus were significantly increased the risk of post-term pregnancy (3). It has also been revealed that among mothers who have postdated pregnancies, (53.7%) of mothers have babies with neonatal complications. Majority (24.1%) of women revealed to have meconium aspiration while the least (5.2%) have Low birth weight complications, factors associated with early neonatal adverse outcomes among women with postdated pregnancies include age, no educational background, smoking, gravity of 4 and above, ANC between 1 to 2 times, and previous postdated pregnancy (4)

A multifactorial etiology is thought to be responsible for postdate pregnancy such as, low maternal vaginal fetal fibronectin levels at 39 weeks, racial/hereditary/genetic variables, and differences in the corticotrophin-releasing hormone all having an impact (5). Delivery barriers include insecurity, lack of resources and lack of skilled health staff (6) have also been seen to contribute. Post-date pregnancy might lead to protracted pregnancy lasting 42 full weeks or longer, increased obstetric interventions, and maternal and fetal morbidities (7).

It has also been revealed that among mothers who have postdated pregnancies, (53.7%) of mothers have babies with neonatal complications, such as Shoulder Dystocia 2.9%, asphyxia (6.5%), and meconium aspiration (5.1%). Maternal complications included post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) (7.2%), perineal tears (7%), cervical tears (1.4%), and postpartum infections (1.4%). Fetal complications were 14.5%, (8)

Studies have shown that 79.7% of women with postdated pregnancy deliver vaginally,5.8% deliver by instrumental delivery whereas 14.5% women require caesarean section, the most common indication being meconium-stained liquor (25%) followed by cervical dystocia (14.4%, cephalopelvic disproportion (9.5%), meconium-stained liquor with fetal distress (33.3%), pathological cardiotocography(CTC) (19%), and failure to progress (23.8%) and 12.7% babies get NICU admission with respiratory distress (28.6%) being the most common reason.(8) .

Studies have shown the prevalence of post-dated pregnancy to be (2.3%), with average age of these patients being 31.3 years (10). There are no published studies on prevalence of post-dated pregnancy conducted in Mwanza Tanzania. The aim of this study is to determine factors related to postdate pregnancy, its prevalence and outcomes among women who delivered at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza.