Effect of prolonged birth spacing on maternal and perinatal outcome.
BACKGROUND
Researchers have held varied opinions on the effect of prolonged birth spacing on maternal and perinatal outcome.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the reasons for prolonged birth spacing and to compare the maternal and perinatal outcome compared to shorter normal birth spacing.


METHODS
Comparative case - controlled study between January 1st, 2001 to December 31st, 2002.


METHODS
Obstetric Unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.


METHODS
Fifty cases consisted of multiparae with prolonged birth spacing (> or =6 years) and controls consists of similar number of multiparae with shorter normal birth spacing (2 - 5 years) matched for age, parity and socio-economic status.


METHODS
Labour outcome, Apgar scores, operative and vaginal delivery rates, perinatal and maternal outcome, reasons for prolonged birth spacing.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference observed with respect to spontaneous onset of labour, induction or argumentation of labour, duration of labour, spontaneous vaginal delivery rates, Caesarean section rates, instrumental vaginal deliveries, analgesic requirement, postpartum haemorrhage, and Apgar scores in both groups. There were no perinatal or maternal deaths. The commonest reason adduced for prolonged birth spacing is failed contraception (56%), followed by secondary infertility (24%) and to a lesser extent re-marriage, improved income and sheer desire.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant difference in maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancy between women with prolonged birth spacing and those with normal shorter birth spacing.
Orji
E O
EO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Shittu
A S
AS
Makinde
O N
ON
Sule
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001034:Apgar Score; D001721:Birth Intervals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001724:Birth Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010298:Parity; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors