Does a Short Interim Between Two Pregnancies Adversely Influence Maternal Outcome – A Study From South Punjab

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of short interpregnancy intervals on maternal healthcare utilization and access in the context of South Punjab.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done at gynae and OBS department of Combined Military Hospital Multan from October 2019 to April 2020. Women of reproductive age group (18-42 years) who had at least one previous pregnancy and women had a recorded interpregnancy interval (time between the last delivery and conception of the current pregnancy (< 18 months) were included. The interpregnancy interval was calculated as the time between the date of delivery of the previous pregnancy and the date of conception of the current pregnancy, based on participants' self-reported information and/or available medical records. Maternal health outcomes were assessed, including obstetric complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, anemia, premature rupture of membranes PROM and postpartum hemorrhage PPH. All the information was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Overall mean age of the patients was 29.23 ± 2.11 years. Majority of patients had a gestational age greater than 38 weeks (61.1%), and resided in rural areas (66.1%). Additionally, a significant proportion of patients were illiterate (69.5%). PROM was found in 40.20% of the patients, 13.0% women had developed PPH and preterm deliveries were occurred in 19.70% of the women. Maternal adverse outcomes including PROM, PPH and preterm deliveries were statistically insignificant according to maternal age, parity and obesity (p-<0.05).

Conclusion:  A short interval of less than 18 months between pregnancies has been identified as a factor contributing to increased risks of PROM, PPH, and preterm births. This implies that repeated unplanned pregnancies with short intervals may elevate the likelihood of adverse maternal outcomes.