Publication:

A study of high-risk factors in ante-natal women at a tertiary care centre

Background High-risk pregnancy refers to any condition in pregnancy that increases risk for morbidity or mortality in mother, fetus and neonate. Globally, nearly 5,29,000 women die due to pregnancy related complications. In India, 20-30% of the pregnant patients contribute to high risk group. This study was conducted to determine different high-risk factors prevalent in antenatal women in Haryana. Objective of this study was to find out prevalence of different high-risk factors in antenatal women.

Methods Data of all antenatal high-risk patients attending OPD during one year was taken from hospital record registers. Maternal characteristics such as age, gravida/parity, gestational age, and gestational age at the time of first visit were noted. High risk factors identified were noted.

Results The records of total 10073 antenatal women were analyzed, 1283 were included in the high-risk group. Most prevalent high-risk factors found were previous cesarean section (31.04%), anaemia (31.02%), malpresentation (12.93%) and thyroid disorders (13.09%).

Conclusions Antenatal surveillance for the high-risk factors complicating pregnancy may prevent or treat most of the complications. Authors should develop strategies for early screening of high-risk pregnancy cases to prevent maternal and perinatal mortality and to improve the maternal and perinatal outcome.