Impact of short inter-pregnancy interval on maternal outcome in females presenting in labor with history of previous cesarean section

Abstract

Objective: To find the frequency of females with short inter-pregnancy interval presenting in labour with history of previous one cesarean section and to compare maternal outcome with short versus prolonged inter-pregnancy interval. Methods: It was labeled as short if <6months and will be labeled as normal if 6-18months and long if >18 months. It will be calculated as the interval between last delivery and conception of the present gestation. Total 370 females fulfilling selection criteria were enrolled in study from labor room of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lady Willington Hospital, Lahore. Informed consent was obtained. Demographic information was also be obtained. Females were asked for duration of current and previous pregnancy. Then females were divided in two groups i.e. short and normal IPI. At time of delivery, gestational age was measured and preterm delivery was labeled. After delivery, uterine rupture, and need for blood transfusion was noted. . Results: Short inter pregnancy interval was seen in 136(36.76%) women and normal pregnancy interval was seen in 234(63.24%) women. Women with normal pregnancy interval among them preterm was seen in 71(30.3%) mother while women with short pregnancy interval among them preterm delivery was seen in 79(58.1%) women. Uterine rupture was significantly higher in women who had short inter-pregnancy interval as that of women with normal pregnancy interval. Blood transfusion was significantly higher in women who had short inter-pregnancy interval as that of women with normal pregnancy interval. 92%. Conclusions: Results of present study revealed that a short interpregnancy interval is linked to maternal characteristics and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Spacing pregnancies appropriately could reduce the rate of low birth weight and adverse pregnancy outcomes.