Perinatal Outcome in High Risk Pregnant Women According to Antenatal Attendance at a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Objective:

To analyze the perinatal outcome in two categories of patients on the basis of numberof antenatal visits to three or less against more than three visits.

Study Design:

Prospective analytical study.Setting: Obstetrics & Gynaecology Unit II, Civil Hospital Karachi.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty patients who attended high risk pregnancy clinic for one ormore times during pregnancy, were prospectively followed till delivery for comparison of perinataloutcome in patients attending for three or less visits against more than three antenatal visits Outcomemeasures were analyzed by ‘z’ test and Fischer’s exact test with a level of significance <0.05

ResUlts:

Perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) was 61.22/1000 in group A (three or less visits) versus14.08/1000 in group B with more than three visits(p>0.05). There was no significant differencein other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups but neonatal admission rate was significantlyhigh in group A (p<0.05). Overall PNMR of the study population and that of group B was significantlylower than the annual PNMR of the department (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Minimal antenatal attendance adversely affects perinatal outcome in high risk pregnantwomen as compared to regular antenatal attendance with more than three visits.