Maternal Serum Epidermal Growth Factor Levels at 37 Weeks of Gestation in Late-Term Pregnancies

Abstract Epidermal growth factor plays an important role in cervical maturation and tissue remodeling during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal serum epidermal growth factor levels measured at 37 weeks of gestation and late-term delivery. This single-center case–control study was conducted at a tertiary maternity hospital. Low-risk pregnant women were enrolled, and high-risk pregnancies were excluded. Maternal blood samples were collected at 37 weeks of gestation prior to the onset of labor. Serum epidermal growth factor concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants were classified according to the gestational age at delivery as late-term pregnancies or term controls. Demographic characteristics, obstetric outcomes, mode of delivery, neonatal outcomes, and serum epidermal growth factor levels were compared between groups. A total of 83 pregnant women were included, of whom 35 women delivered at the late term and 48 women delivered at term. The maternal age, body mass index, obstetric history, and Apgar scores did not differ significantly between groups. The gestational age at delivery and birth weight were significantly higher in the late-term group (p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). Cesarean delivery was more frequent among late-term pregnancies (70.8% vs 40%, p=0.005). Mean maternal serum epidermal growth factor levels were significantly lower in the late-term group compared with term controls (28.8±9.8 ng/L vs 56.7±27.3 ng/l, p=0.005). Maternal serum epidermal growth factor levels measured at 37 weeks of gestation were significantly lower in pregnancies resulting in late-term delivery. These findings suggest that altered epidermal growth factor regulation may be associated with prolonged gestation and delayed cervical maturation.