ASSESSMENT OF THE PREDISPOSING FACTORS OF PROLONGED PREGNANCY

Lengthened pregnancy after the 41st week will create problems for mother, fetus and newborn. Assessment of the predisposing factors of prolonged pregnancy is a research priority. So, to determine the maternal and the fetal predisposing factors of this hardship, we conducted a case-control study in which record sheets were assessed and data were collected. 1800 women contributed in this study within which, 600 made the case group through census sampling method, and the rest were known as control group with normal pregnancy and were chosen through simple random sampling method. Findings indicated that as for maternal factors, there were statisticaly significant relationships between prolonged pregnancy, and the use of Aspirin and Salisilates and season of delivery (P<0.05). A significant relationship was also seen between prolonged pregnancy and fetal factors such as the cephalic presentation (P < 0.05). Based on the findings, it was concluded that the history of using Aspirin and Salicilates during pregnancy is a maternal predisposing factor for long lasting pregnancy. Therefore, educational programs for women regarding such drugs and management of those who have to use them during pregnancy are recommended. Key Words: Prolonged pregnancy, Predisposing factors, Maternal factors, Fetal factors