ABSTRACT
To compare maternal and fetal complications occurring in grand multipara and multipara patients. Case control study. Gynecology and Obstetric Unit-I of the Jinnah Post Graduate and Medical Centre Karachi, from February 2009 to January 2010. One hundred [100] patients of grand multipara [GMP], [parity >/= 5] and 100 patients of multipara [MP] [parity 2-4] were included in the study. Pregnant women with known medical conditions including essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, primigravidas, women with previous caesarean section and twin pregnancies were excluded. Patients were admitted through antenatal clinic and emergency. A detailed history was taken and a physical examination was done with special emphasis on obstetrical examination. Investigations like blood CP, Urine D/R, blood grouping and sonogram were done. During labour, mother and neonates were managed according to ward protocols. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared among GMPs and MPs. A high frequency of anaemia [81% vs 20%], pregnancy induced hypertension [45%, vs. 26%] and gestational diabetes [9%, vsl%] were seen in GMP as compared to MP group. Frequency of malpresentations [26% vs 15%], postpartum hemorrhage [15%, vs 10%] and intrauterine deaths [26%, vs 13%] were 1-ugher in GMP group along with a high caesarean delivery rate [GMP 21%, MP 14%]. A higher maternal mortality [GMP 4%, MP 1%] and low APGAR score [GMP 12%, MP 4%] were observed among babies born to grand multipara group. Grand multiparity is associated with adverse outcome for both mother and fetus. Effort should be directed to reduce high parity in the community through effective family planning initiatives. Specialized antenatal and obstetrical care facilities should be available