What does "postterm pregnancy" refer to?

Postterm pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation. This is significant because the typical duration of a pregnancy is about 40 weeks, and going past this timeframe can lead to various complications for both the mother and the fetus. As the pregnancy continues past the due date, there is an increased risk of issues such as decreased amniotic fluid, placental insufficiency, and potentially higher rates of stillbirth or labor complications.

In contrast, pregnancies lasting less than 37 weeks are classified as preterm, while those between 37 and 42 weeks are considered to be within the normal term range. Therefore, option C accurately captures the definition of postterm pregnancy within the context of obstetric terminology.