Feto-Maternal Outcomes of Obstetric Emergencies Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The study was conducted to identify the feto-maternal outcomes of obstetrics emergencies in BDTH. Specific objectives were to: I: Examine the categories of common obstetric emergencies and their incidence rates. II: Compute the maternal mortality rate and still birth rate respectively. Study design: retrospective cohort study of obstetric emergencies managed for 17 months between January, 2021 to May, 2022. Methodology: 3,731 total deliveries were examined retrospectively by convenience under review. Obstetric emergencies commonly encountered were carefully extracted (Jan. 2021 to May 2022) from the hospital obstetric unit’s record. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, out of which spontaneous vaginal deliveries were 2857; obstetric emergencies arising before, during or 24 hours after delivery were 2086. Results: It is a well-known fact that Covid-19 has disrupted socioeconomic activities on a global level since its emergence, including health care related services, which maternal and child care belongs. The findings of this research reflect this current reality. Among the common categories of obstetric emergencies presented on table 2, Caesarean section was the leading emergency (40.2%), followed by Low birth weight (11.9%), preeclampsia (11.6%) and PPH/APH (6.7 & 5.1%) respectively. Cumulative incidence rate (555.6/1000), with Caesarean section having the majority (224.6/1000), followed by preeclampsia (64.8/1000) and PPH/APH (37.5 & 28.1/1000) correspondingly. High level of still birth rate (55.2/1000) and relatively high maternal mortality rate (351.8/100,000) were computed. Conclusion: The study revealed a poor feto-maternal outcomes of obstetric emergencies, with a high level of still birth rate (55.2/1000 live births) and a relatively high maternal mortality rate (351.8/100,000 live births).Therefore, a concerted efforts are needed in order to reverse these ugly trends. Recommendations Government in collaboration with health care professionals and media agencies should intensify awareness on the importance of early enrollment and adherence with antenatal care, educate women on the importance of reporting any danger signs associated with obstetric cases identified during pregnancy, provide adequate and affordable means of transportation, provide free and accessible education for girl child and employ more qualified midwives, obstetricians and gynecologists, including training and retraining of the existing ones.