RISK FACTORS FOR PRETERM BIRTHS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, LADY READING HOSPITAL, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Objective: To determine the various maternal and neonatal risk factors of preterm birth.

Methodology: A descriptive case series was conducted from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010. In thisstudy all cases, a live Pre term birth (PTB) (29 – <37 weeks) by vaginal delivery or caesarean section andtheir mothers were included.

Results: A total of 205 (04.04%) neonates were identified as premature neonates. Majority (29.3%) were inthe age range of 2 days with mean age of 1.5073 + 1.2627 days. Out of 205, 51.7% were male and 48.3%were female. Maternal age of 21-35 years was recorded in majority 79.51% with mean age of 28.10 +5.8982 years. Majority of mothers (96.1%) were illiterate, 76.6% belonged to rural areas, 76.1% belongedto poor class, 35.1% were multiparas. A history of Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) was found in61% cases, history of burning micturition 4.9%, physical injuries 0.5%, polyhydramnios 14.14%, previouslow birth weight baby 41.5%, threaten abortion 27.8%, antepartum hemorrhage 36.1%, previous perinatalloss 31.2%, previous premature birth 30.2%, maternal pyrexia 14.1%, previous twins 6.3% and placentaprevia 4.4%.

Conclusion: Frequency of prematurity was 04.04%. Among the various risk factors maternal age,illiteracy, rural residence, poverty, joint family setup, history of PROM, previous low birth weight babies,history of antepartum hemorrhage, multiparity, previous perinatal loss, previous premature babies, threatenabortion, were the prominent risk factors found in majority of cases.