Review of epidemiological factors of preterm deliveries: Study of 505 cases

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Dr Amit Sharad Naik, Dr Saudamini Amit Naik

Preterm birth has been a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity for centuries, Preterm birth is a major problem

responsible for difference in infant mortality & morbidity in developing & developed countries This retrospective study was carried

out in the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology of a rural medical college between Jan 2015 & Dec 2016, to Review the

Epidemiological factors of preterm labour & to Evaluate neonatal outcome of preterm deliveries in rural area. All mother who

delivered between 21 to <37 weeks from LMP was taken as criteria & studied. Detailed obstetric history about any past preterm

labour, spontaneous or induced abortion, and other epidemiological factors were noted. Total 505 preterm labours were studied

amongst 6340 deliveries during the study period.

RESULTS:– maximum preterm deliveries were noted amongst unregistered primigravidas, most of them were spontaneous in

onset. Maximum cases belonged to lower socio economic group and were illiterate. Neonatal survival rate was maximum for

gestational age 35 37 weeks & weight 1.5 to 2.5gm. survival rate was found better in the group in whom delivery was prolonged

with tocolysis & steroid was given.

CONCLUSION:– Epidemiological factors, socioeconomic status, maternal education and previous preterm delivery can be

important predictors of predisposition for preterm labour. An obstetrician who first comes in contact with the antenatal patient

needs to consider these points for counseling and differentiating high risk patients with regard to preterm labour.