Fetomaternal Outcomes in Short Interpregnancy Interval

Abstract

Objective: To determine the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with short interpregnancy intervals.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Eighty-four pregnant women aged 18–45 years, with interpregnancy intervals <24 months and at least one prior live birth, were included. Maternal (anemia, placental abruption, preterm labour, preeclampsia) and fetal outcomes (low birth weight, prematurity, small for gestational age, early neonatal death) were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS v23; p ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age was 31.2 ± 4.1 years and mean weight 54.4 ± 5.7 kg; 95.2% were multigravida. Cesarean section was performed in 57.1%. Preterm labour (36.9%) and preeclampsia (31.0%) were the most frequent maternal complications; 2.4% had none. Fetal complications included low birth weight (26.2%), prematurity (25.0%), early neonatal death (13.1%), and small forgestational age (4.8%). Maternal weight and mode of delivery were significantly associated with maternal complications (p = 0.043 and p = 0.021, respectively); no significant associations were found for fetal outcomes.

Conclusion: Short interpregnancy intervals are associated with increased maternal complications, particularly preterm labour and preeclampsia, and adverse fetal outcomes such as low birth weight and prematurity.