What is a significant risk associated with late-term pregnancy?

In late-term pregnancy, which is typically defined as occurring between 41 weeks and 42 weeks of gestation, several risks can manifest, one of the most significant being an increase in fetal size, also known as fetal macrosomia. As the pregnancy progresses past the due date, the fetus continues to grow, which can lead to complications during delivery, including a higher likelihood of the need for a cesarean section.

Larger fetal size can present operational challenges during vaginal delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulder gets stuck during birth. This can pose risks both to the mother and the baby, including trauma sustained during delivery. Thus, the increase in fetal size and the associated higher chance of cesarean delivery is a significant concern for healthcare providers managing late-term pregnancies.

The other options presented, while they do relate to different aspects of pregnancy, do not capture the primary risks associated with late-term pregnancy as effectively. For instance, while gestational diabetes can be a concern during pregnancy, it is typically diagnosed earlier and is not specifically heightened in late-term circumstances. Similarly, reduced need for prenatal monitoring does not reflect the reality of late-term pregnancies, where increased surveillance is often necessary to ensure the health of both the mother and the fetus