Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Community Based Longitudinal Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:In most developed countries, pregnancies are planned, complications are few and outcomes are generally favorable for both mother and infant. But in developing countries, adverse pregnancy outcomes are far more frequent due to various reasons. The most severe adverse outcome of pregnancy is the death of the mother or her offspring. Over the years maternal and child health programmes are striving to improve the health status of pregnant women and neonates. However, the adverse pregnancy outcomes (Maternal and Neonatal) still remain high. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of adverse pregnancy in the study area. METHODOLOGY: A community based longitudinal study was carried out in the 36 villages of Kaiwara from January 2011 to December 2011. All the antenatal mothers were traced through Anganwadi records maintained at different villages. They were contacted at their residence and the questionnaire was administered in their local language. The questionnaire was administered during three different visits to collect information regarding socio-demographic details, pregnancy outcomes. The first visit was made before delivery and subsequently second and third visits were made within 7 days and 42 nd day after delivery respectively. Maternal and child protection cards were used to validate the collected information. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 18.0 RESULTS: The present study revealed that, the proportion of low birth weight in the study area was 31.9% (95% CI=25.74-38.06), preterm birth 20.5% (95% CI=15.28-25.72), postnatal complications 5% (95% CI=14.819-9.181), abortion 2.1% (95% CI=0.25-3.95), maternal death 0.4% (95% CI=0.416-1.216) and neonatal death 0.4% (95% CI=0.416-1.216). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes was in par with the national average.