[Management of prolonged pregnancy in Denmark. A questionnaire study]

In order to describe how post-term pregnancy was managed in Denmark, a questionnaire was sent to all 50 maternity departments with a 100% response rate. Thirty-nine departments managed post-term pregnancy; twenty-one departments conservatively (i.e.expectantly) and 18 departments with induction of labour. Cardiotocography in the surveillance of the foetus was routine in 35 departments; 21 departments monitored with ultrasound and 18 used human placental lactogen. Gestational age was confirmed by ultrasound before 20th week of gestation in nine of ten departments with > 2000 births per year, in four of 19 departments with 1000-2000 births per year, and in five of ten departments with < 1000 births per year. Ten departments which managed post-term pregnancy by induction did not routinely confirm gestational age by ultrasound. Danish obstetricians differ in their management of post term pregnancy. Cumulative data from prospective, randomized studies can be interpreted as showing an active policy of induction to be advantageous. A large multicentre study is difficult, but desirable in order out to discuss for and against induction or expectant management.