“STUDY OF PRETERM DELIVERY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL”

Abstract

Background: Preterm delivery is a major obstetric complication and a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In India, the reported incidence of preterm labour is 10-15%. Premature babies are at risk of many immediate and long-term complications. Objectives: With this background, the present study was aimed to analyse the clinical conditions based on maternal, fetal and placental etiology associated with preterm birth. This prospective observational study was conducted in 250 consecutive women who presented with preterm labour between 28 toMethod: <37 weeks in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at tertiary care hospital during a period from April 2019 to September 2020. Mode of delivery, various maternal risk factors and neonatal outcome were noted. The incidence of preterm births was found to be 16.15%.Results: Maximum number of patients belonged to third gravida group (40.4%). Most common presentation on admission was pain in abdomen (74.8%) and most common associated risk factor was infection (50.8%%) followed by preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) (24.8%). All patients received steroid (betamethasone) before delivery. 90% of patients delivered vaginally and 31.2% of babies required NICU admission. The mean baby weight, mean APGAR Score (5min) and mean NICU stay was 2.41±0.36 kgs, 8.94±0.33 and 9.08±5 days respectively. Conclusion: Preterm labour and birth continue to be a common occurrence, resulting in signicant newborn death and morbidity, as well as nancial burden on families and hospitals. This incidence can be lowered by early identication of proven risk factors with the assistance of universal and appropriate prenatal care. Strengthening the referral system so that high risk patients are managed in tertiary obstetric units with level III NICU facilities will improve the neonatal outcome of these babies.