PERINATAL OUTCOME OF POST-TERM PREGNANCY AT SPHMMC, YEKATIT 12, & RASDESTA HOSPITALS
Abstract
Background: Post-term pregnancy is defined as pregnancy that has extended to or beyond 42 weeks of gestation (294 days). The incidence varies with the study population. Post-term pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess perinatal mortality and morbidities associated with post-term pregnancy at St. Paul’s hospital, Yekatit 12 Hospital, and Ras Desta hospital.
Methodology: Hospital based Cohort Study was conducted to determine the perinatal outcome of post-term pregnancy at St. Paul’s hospital, Yekatit 12 Hospital and Ras Desta Hospital. 176 of post-term pregnancy were compared with 352 term pregnancy that fulfills the inclusion criteria. The ratio of exposed to non exposed was taken as 1: 2. Data was collected by trained BSC midwifes starting from July 1 to November 30,2017G.C. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 20 version. Relationship among the major variable were described by chi-square test (P<0.05). In order to measure the association between an exposure and an outcome relative risk (RR, with 95% CI) was calculated. Logistic regression (using P<0.05) were used to examine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.
Results and Conclusions: Perinatal mortality rate were found to be higher in post-term pregnancy (62.5 per 1000), compared with term pregnancy (25.6 per 1000) (P = 0.033). Neonatal morbidities such as low 5th minute APGAR score and NICU referral rate were significantly associated with post-term pregnancy (P<0.05). 34.1% of newborns of women with post-term pregnancy had features of post-maturity syndrome.
Recommendations: To reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with post-term pregnancy elective induction of labor before 42 weeks of gestation should be considered.