M. Krishnaveni1
OBJECTIVES: Postdate pregnancy is the most common indication for Antepartum fetal heart rate testing because of its increased perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. Immediate neonatal problems such as asphyxia, meconium aspiration, respiratory distress, seizures and metabolic derangements are particularly common. Postdated patients accounted for 1/3 of the pregnancies requiring caesarean section for fetal distress because these fetuses tolerate labour poorly
. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population considered of 100 inpatients whose pregnancy was beyond 41 weeks and underwent Antepartum fetal heart rate testing and delivered within seven days from the last NST at Vani vilas Hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Study period: 16.01.2014 to 15.01.2015.
RESULTS: NST’s were recorded for 100 patients out of which 82 were reactive and 18 were non-reactive. The patients were induced in all 82 reactive patients before induction CPD was ruled out and the state of Cervix was assessed and primed in some cases. Out of 82 reactive cases 47 delivered vaginally, 9 Forceps delivery, 26 cases underwent LSCS for Various indications. Out of 18 non- reactive cases there was no CPD in any patients. 2 Patients delivered vaginally, another 16 cases under went LSCS (Fetal distress-10, Meconium-03, Cord Factor-03).
CONCLUSION: NST is used as a primary antepartum surveillance test in postdate patients. At our Institution, the reactive NST has proved a reliable indicator of fetal well-being. However when viewed at the reports it shows that reactivity alone is insufficient to assure fetal well-being. The presence FHR decelerations during and NST was associated with a less favourable outcome for the fetus.
