Prevalence of pregnancy complications in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Aims This study was set to determine the prevalence of pregnancy complications and associated sociodemographic factors in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria, from 2014 to 2018. Patients and methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study of pregnant women, who received antenatal care and/or delivered at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Results Of the 821 deliveries documented at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, 435 (52.98%) had complications. Sixteen clinical conditions were identified in the complicated pregnancies; the most common being malaria (20.23%), hemorrhage (13.79%), and HIV infection (10.11%). The least were ectopic pregnancy (2.07%), uterine rupture (2.07%), and placenta abruption (2.30%). The number of pregnancies with complications were significantly higher than those without (P=0.039). There was a statistical association between pregnancy complication and the woman’s occupation (P=0.028). Conclusion The prevalence of pregnancy complications in Nnewi was found to be 52.98%, with malaria being the most common complication (22.23%), and ectopic pregnancy and uterine rupture the least (2.07%). Recommendation Women are advised to access antenatal care during pregnancy to stem complications, while efforts should be intensified by relevant bodies to control malaria in pregnancy.