Fetal surveillance vs. labor induction at 42 weeks in postterm gestation.

Perinatal mortality and morbidity are increased in prolonged pregnancy. The application of antepartum fetal testing and intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring in prolonged pregnancy has decreased the perinatal mortality and morbidity, but the perinatal morbidity remains higher in patients delivering after term than in those delivering at term. Recent evidence suggests that delivery at an earlier gestational age using modern labor-induction techniques may prevent the increase in perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with prolonged pregnancy without increasing the incidence of prolonged labor and cesarean delivery.