Maternal Status during and after Labor Beyond 28 Weeks of Gestation at a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: The journey of pregnancy and childbirth embodies a critical period in a woman's life, impacting both maternal and child well-being. Understanding maternal status during and after labor beyond 28 weeks of gestation holds significant clinical relevance, given its implications for obstetric management and outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess maternal status during and after labor beyond 28 weeks of gestation at a tertiary hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from March 2019 to August 2019. The study included pregnant women with fetal malpresentation from 28 to 42 weeks of gestation admitted to the labor and antenatal ward. A total of 50 participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: The study revealed a diverse age distribution among mothers, with the majority falling within the 26-30 age bracket (40.0%). Parity distribution showed a significant proportion of mothers with four or more children (40.0%). Prolonged labor emerged as the most common complication (6.0%), followed by obstructed labor (4.0%). Maximum vaginal deliveries occurred at 28-31 weeks of gestation, while cesarean sections were predominant at or above 36 weeks. Cesarean section exhibited the highest survival frequency (100%), followed by vaginal delivery (90%) and assisted breech delivery (80%). Postpartum hemorrhage was the most common maternal morbidity (6.0%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study sheds light on maternal demographics, labor complications, delivery modes, and perinatal outcomes at a tertiary hospital. The age distribution revealed diversity, with most mothers aged 26-30. Many were multiparous, underscoring the importance of obstetric history. Prolonged labor was predominant, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring. Cesarean sections were common after 36 weeks, ensuring higher survival rates. Despite benefits, postpartum hemorrhage posed a significant concern. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive obstetric care to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is imperative to refine maternal-fetal care in tertiary settings.