RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES REFERRED TO A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN INDIA

Abstract

Background: Life-threatening events associated with pregnancy are called Obstetric emergencies and they can occur at any time during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or even after delivery. Timely and proper obstetric care saves lives of the pregnant women and their babies daily, throughout the world. Complications of childbirth cannot be prevented in some cases but they can be treated promptly and effectively. Lack of facilities at primary health care centers can result in signicant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in such cases. This study aims to identify the various obstetric emergencies referred to a tertiary care center and the different reasons for such referral. This retrospectiveMethods: clinical descriptive study was carried out in the Tertiary Health Care Centre (Sheth Vadilal Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India) recruiting a total of 100 patients who presented with various obstetric emergencies from September 2013 to September 2015. 86% of patients wereResults: between 21 to 30 years of age. The highest number of indication of referral was due to anaemia(15%), followed by previous caesarean section(12%), preeclampsia(11%), meconium-stained liquor(10%), preterm rupture of membranes(9%), oligohydramnios (7%), postdate(5%), malpresentation (6%) and Obstructed labour(4%). Other indications of referral were cord prolapse (1%), maternal diabetes (1%), polio(1%) and cardiac disease(1%). The main reasons for referral to higher centers included a lack of OT facilities and blood products. The cost factor is responsible especially in those cases who are referred from the private sector. Regular antenatal care can help prevent many obstetricConclusions: emergencies. Improvement of health care in women before pregnancy can go a long way in preventing all pregnancy complications including a majority of obstetric emergencies. Also, better health facilities and trained staff at Primary Health Care Centre are vital for improved delivery of maternal and child health care services.