Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
The interpregnancy interval (IPI) refers to the time between the birth of one child and the conception of the next pregnancy. Both short and long IPIs have been linked to adverse maternal outcomes. However, there is a lack of research on this topic in the Indian context. This cross‐sectional study was carried out at an Indian medical college and hospital. Women with a history of previous abortions, stillbirth, nulliparity, or multiple pregnancies were excluded. A standardized form was used to collect demographic information. IPI was divided into four categories: less than 6 months, 6 months to <2 years, 2 years to <5 years and 5 years or more. Maternal outcomes were assessed and odds ratios were calculated. During the study period, there were 546 deliveries. A total of 490 women met the inclusion criteria after applying the exclusion criteria. Among these, 14 women (2.86%) had an IPI of less than 6 months, 340 women (69.39%) had an IPI of 6 to <2 years, 117 women (23.88%) had an IPI of 2 years to <5 years and 19 women (3.88%) had an IPI of 5 years or more. Women with a short IPI of <6 months had a significantly higher risk of fetal malposition, fetal growth restriction and hypertension. On the other hand, women with a longer IPI of 5 years or more had increased chances of preterm labor, oligoamnios, gestational diabetes and anemia. A majority of women in this study had an IPI of <2 years, which is below the minimum interval recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This highlights the need for increased awareness and accessibility of contraceptive options for postpartum women to ensure adequate spacing between pregnancies.
How to cite this article:
Mahjabin , Jyoti Yadav, Diksha Ambedkar and Shruti Manchanda. Association of Interpregnancy Interval and Maternal Outcomes: A Retrospective Hospital Based Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.5.605.608
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2024.5.605.608