Clinical implications of the ‘Concept of the individual term for each fetus’: The concept of ‘Individual term for each fetus’ is having a major impact on clinical Obstetrics. A baby which attained completion of maturity by 35+weeks (early matures), and for some reason, if the labor does not start, by 38 weeks, this baby become post mature and dysmature. Sometimes the baby may pass meconium and may end up in IUFD (unexplained IUFDs). Around 7% of babies mature at < 37 weeks of gestation.
On the other hand, a baby destined to mature by 42 weeks (delayed matures) if delivered at 40wks, either by induction or by C.S, it is functionally premature and develops varying degrees of respiratory distress (term RDS). They may need ventilator support and NICU admissions. About 12% of babies mature after 40wks. The clinical applications of AFOD: Induction of labor, Elective C/S, and AFOD: As primary…
