Obstetric Outcome in Primigravidae in a Tertiary Hospital: A Five-Year Review

Abstract

Primigravidae are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and labour. These risks of complication associated with Primigravidae if not properly anticipated and managed promptly can result in increased morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the baby. The aim of the study was to determine the pregnancy outcome among Primigravida at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. The specific objectives were to determine the complications encountered among the primigravida and to determine the association between some complications and pregnancy outcome. This was a retrospective study from 1st Jan.2017 - 31st dec.2021. The case records of all primigravidae who delivered at UDUTH within the study period were reviewed. There were 130 cases of primigravida managed during the 5-year study period. Among which 99 case notes were retrieved giving a retrieval rate of 76%. The majority of cases were between the ages of 20-30 years and 31-40 years (30.3% and 37.4% respectively). Most of the cases were Hausa/Fulani (74.7%). Majority were Muslims and 45.5% had secondary education. Majority of the cases (73.1%) had caesarean section and 22.2% had vaginal delivery. The most encountered pregnancy complication among them was preeclampsia/eclampsia in 29.6% of the cases. This is followed by post-dated pregnancy (9.4%) then breech presentation at term (13.3%). Majority of the participants that had preeclampsia and post-dated pregnancy ended up with caesarean section. There was significant association between the complication of preeclampsia and post-dated pregnancy with the mode of delivery (p < 0.001).