Publication

Abstract : Background The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected obstetric outcomes such as preterm births and Caesarean Section (CS) and associated factors in a tertiary care centre in South India. Methods Cross-sectional data of the obstetric outcomes of pregnant women, for the year 2021 were extracted from labour records using a standardized form and cross-checked to ensure accuracy and quality. Multivariable logistic regression models identified factors associated with the obstetric outcomes. Results The mean age of the study participants was 28.89 ± 4.99 years. About a fourth, 25.02% (95% CI: 22.3- 27.7) had preterm deliveries and 57.4% (95% CI 54.3- 60.5) underwent CS. Preterm delivery was six times more likely among mothers with maternal age <20years, gestation hypertension (aOR 5.7 and aOR 6.38 respectively) and five times more likely among those with diabetes mellitus (aOR 5.7). Additionally, history of previous miscarriage (aOR 1.97) and chronic hypertension (aOR 1.75) doubled the odds of preterm delivery. The presence of foetal growth retardation (aOR 3.70) and any renal condition in the foetus (aOR 2.78) further increased risk. Pregnant women with Diabetes Mellitus (aOR 2.92) were three times more likely to require a CS while those with hypothyroidism (aOR 1.62) had a slightly increased risk. Lower age of the mother (<20yrs) decreased risk (aOR 0.1) and age >35 increased risk two times. Conclusion Preterm delivery and CS can perhaps be prevented to a large extent by controlling hypertension, diabetes, though larger multicentric studies are necessary.