Impact of Antenatal Maternal Risks among Grand Multiparous Women on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background- Pregnancy can be viewed as a developmental stage with its own distinct developmental tasks as well as pregnancy produces marked changes in a woman’s body, and it’s accompanied with minor discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, urinary frequency, and fatigue. Sometime the pregnancy is complicated by pathologic processes that are dangerous to the health of the mother and fetus in only 5-20% of cases. However, only limited studies have so far been done to identify the maternal isks in Antenatal and its Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes among Grand-Multiparous Women

Objective- Identify antenatal maternal risks among grand multiparous women and its impact on pregnancy outcome. Methodology- A descriptive, cross sectional study design was utilized. Purposive sample of (200) laboring women which consist two groups 100 multiparous women had (Para2-4) and 100 grand multiparous women had (Para ≥ 5) , who were admitted in three hospitals (Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Al- Yarmook Teaching Hospital, Fatima Al- Zahra’a Maternity and Pediatric Teaching Hospital), during the period from 29 April to 8 August 2010. The data was collected through interview technique and use constructed questionnaire format which consists four parts. The data were collected through face to face interview technique and by using questionnaire format. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results- The results revealed that the occurrence of antenatal maternal risks were significantly more among grand multipara who had (para≥5) compared to multipara who had (para 2-4) (P≤0.05), these complications were: anaemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, ante partum haemorrhage, stress urine incontinence, mal presentation, macrosomia, and uterus prolapse. Health status of the majority of neonates for both groups (85%, 82%) were good, their Apgar score was (7-10) in five minute of neonate's life, and most of them did not have congenital anomalies, only 3% in each group had neonate death after delivery. There is a significant relationship in age for both groups and antenatal risks. Conclusion- The occurrence of antenatal maternal risks is significantly higher in grandmultiparity compared with multiparty. Recommendations- Importance of providing health awareness for mothers concerning risks associated with antenatal which are increased in subsequence and high pregnancies through educational programs and mass media and emphasize on nursing role in this field. Improvement and promotion of antenatal health services especially for those risky women.