Abstract: Background: Infant and neonatal mortality rate is one of the key health indicators of a country. The major cause for neonatal mortality in India is prematurity and low birth weight which accounts for about 44.7%. Our study is aimed at assessing the risk factors and perinatal outcomes of late preterm births in a tertiary care centre in order to contribute valuable insights for national maternal and child health policies and strategy.
Aim: To assess the maternal and foetal co-morbid conditions that contributes to the late preterm deliveries and its neonatal outcomes.
Methodology: This was a prospective observational study conducted in Velammal Medical College and Research Institute, Madurai.The history of risk factors and comorbidities for late preterm labour was obtained from mothers who were delivered between 34 to 36+6 weeks of gestational age. Also, early neonatal complications were monitored for the period of 7 days.
Results: Out of 150 cases, late preterm labour was spontaneous in 59.3% (n=89) and induced in 40.6% (n=61). Anaemia 71.4% (n=40) was the most common precipitating condition for spontaneous late preterm labour and that for induced late preterm labour it was oligohydramnios 31.1% (n=19). 50% (n=75) neonates needed NICU admissions; majority were due to respiratory distress 78.6% (n=58). Majority of NICU admissions were between 34 to 35+6 weeks 69.2% (n=45) when compared to 36+6 weeks 35.3% (n=30) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Achievement of healthy pregnancy is the key to reduce late preterm births. Timely identification of precipitating factors for preterm labour and its prompt management will prolong the pregnancy till term. In utero transfer of foetus to a tertiary care centre is mandatory to tackle the immediate neonatal complications. Health care professionals should update their skills and knowledge especially in neonatal care and resuscitation and thus morbidity and mortality of neonates will be reduced drastically.
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