What should I do if I haven't given birth by 50 weeks of pregnancy?

Normal gestation lasts 37–42 weeks. A pregnancy lasting 50 weeks is considered severely post-term and may result from miscalculation of gestational age, fetal growth restriction, cephalopelvic disproportion, placental insufficiency, or abnormal amniotic fluid levels. This condition carries extremely high risks and requires immediate medical attention. The underlying cause must be identified, and pregnancy should be terminated under medical supervision through appropriate interventions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Incorrect gestational age calculation: Unclear recall of the last menstrual period (LMP) or irregular menstrual cycles may lead to inaccurate estimation of gestational age, meaning the due date has not actually been reached. Bring all prenatal records to your healthcare provider and undergo ultrasound evaluation of fetal biparietal diameter, femur length, and other parameters. Combined with early-pregnancy ultrasound findings, this allows for precise recalculation of true gestational age.

2. Fetal growth restriction: Intrauterine growth restriction prevents adequate pressure from the fetal head on the cervix, failing to trigger uterine contractions. Immediate hospitalization is required for continuous fetal heart rate monitoring. Follow medical advice to receive intravenous infusions of compound amino acid injection, vitamin C injection, and glucose solution to improve fetal nutrition in utero.

3. Cephalopelvic disproportion: Mismatch between the size and shape of the fetal head and the mother’s pelvis prevents fetal descent into the pelvis and initiation of labor. After clinical evaluation, if natural delivery is deemed impossible, a cesarean section must be performed to deliver the baby surgically, preventing fetal distress and maternal birth canal injury.

4. Placental insufficiency: Aging placenta leads to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply, failing to meet fetal demands and lacking signals to initiate contractions. Immediate fetal heart monitoring and placental function tests are necessary. Under medical guidance, use oxytocin injection, dinoprostone suppositories, or misoprostol tablets to induce labor.

5. Abnormal amniotic fluid: Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) or turbid amniotic fluid deteriorates the intrauterine environment and suppresses the onset of contractions. Ultrasound should confirm the volume and characteristics of amniotic fluid. If oligohydramnios is accompanied by fetal distress, emergency cesarean delivery is required to promptly terminate pregnancy and ensure maternal and fetal safety.

Pregnant women must strictly follow medical advice for regular prenatal checkups and accurately record their last menstrual period and menstrual cycle. During post-term pregnancy, avoid strenuous activity and closely monitor fetal movements—count fetal movements every two hours. Contact your healthcare provider immediately upon detecting any abnormalities; do not delay seeking care.