Post-term pregnancy is a pregnancy which continues beyond?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Post-term pregnancy is clinically defined as a pregnancy that continues to or beyond 42 completed weeks of gestation.
The expected date of delivery (EDD) is typically set at 40 weeks (280 days).
To determine the day count for post-term, the calculation is 42 weeks multiplied by 7 days per week, which equals 294 days.
Therefore, a pregnancy that extends beyond the 294th day is classified as post-term, making 294 days the correct threshold.

Option B: 250 days corresponds to approximately 35 weeks and 5 days of gestation.
Option C: 200 days corresponds to approximately 28 weeks and 4 days of gestation.
Option D: 170 days corresponds to approximately 24 weeks and 2 days of gestation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Post-term Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Post-term pregnancies are associated with increased risks for both the mother and fetus, including placental insufficiency, meconium aspiration syndrome, fetal macrosomia, and shoulder dystocia.
Nurses play a crucial role in monitoring fetal well-being in post-term pregnancies through non-stress tests (NST) and biophysical profiles (BPP), educating the mother about fetal movement counting, and preparing for potential induction of labor.
What if? If a pregnancy was at 41 weeks and 3 days (290 days), it would be classified as 'late-term,' not 'post-term.' In this scenario, management would involve increased fetal surveillance, but immediate induction of labor might not be indicated unless other risk factors are present.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a standard medical definition.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'post-term pregnancy.'
Recall the definition of post-term pregnancy in terms of gestational weeks. The standard definition is a pregnancy lasting 42 completed weeks or more.
Convert the number of weeks into days by multiplying by 7 (42 weeks × 7 days/week).
The result is 294 days. The question asks what the pregnancy continues 'beyond,' so 294 days is the correct threshold.
Compare the calculated value with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QGEuV9bCmJ4sAY1_Dz_CmM

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1057-1059

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 1-7

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.