Post-term infants are at higher risk for which of the following conditions?

Post-term infants, typically those born after 42 weeks of gestation, face increased risks due to various physiological and developmental factors. One significant concern is asphyxia, which can occur when the placenta begins to deteriorate or function inadequately, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus. This often manifests in situations where the umbilical cord may be compressed or there are decreased efficiency in the placental blood flow, compromising oxygenation.

In a post-term scenario, the likelihood of meconium aspiration also increases, where the fetus can inhale a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid during delivery, potentially leading to airway obstruction and respiratory complications. Therefore, the risk of asphyxia remains notably high due to the interplay of these factors in post-term pregnancies.

The other conditions listed, while serious, do not have the same direct association with being post-term as asphyxia does. Understanding the implications of prolonged gestation helps prepare for and manage the associated risks effectively.