Main Article Content

Indications for late preterm birth, and factors associated with short term maternal and neonatal outcomes at a tertiary care institution


Deeshah M Deelchand
Thinagrin D Naidoo

Abstract

Background: The preterm birth rate is rising mainly because of the marked increase in late preterm deliveries.
Objectives: To evaluate the indications for LPTB and the factors associated with the short term maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care institution. The study sample included 191 women who delivered between October 2019 to November 2020.
Results: The majority (81%) were medically indicated LPTB, and mainly for maternal indications (77%). The most common maternal indication for LPTB was for hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP) (82.5%). There was a significant increase in the high care/ ICU admission for maternal indication of LPTB, maternal age < 20 years, and patients with HDP. There was 1 maternal death and 1 neonatal death. 48% of the neonates were admitted to NICU and 53% had neonatal complications. Neonates born by caesarean delivery were more likely to have respiratory complications and be admitted to NICU.
Conclusion: These maternal/ neonatal factors should be used to identify patients at risk of adverse maternal and neonatal
outcomes.
Keywords: Late preterm birth; indications; hypertensive disorder of pregnancy; short term maternal outcomes; short term neonatal outcomes; factors.


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905