ABSTRACT
Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and cost effective measure, which when used judiciously can avoid unintended pregnancies. This is especially relevant in our country where both population control and unsafe abortions are a serious concern. For any contraceptive to be effective, the general population must have a proper knowledge and a positive attitude towards it. Women who come for medical termination of unwanted pregnancy are the best representatives of this and our study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of EC in this group.Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted using a predesigned questionnaire among 100 women who came for medical termination of pregnancy at G. B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair. Questions were asked to evaluate their awareness, knowledge and attitude towards EC.Results: Out of 100 women, only 26 % had heard about EC, mostly from mass media, and seven of these 26 women had correct knowledge of timing of using EC. Four women had used EC before, whereas among others, fear of menstrual irregularity was the major deterrent. A significant association was found between education level and occupation with knowledge of EC.Conclusions: Although EC is a potent tool to avoid unwanted pregnancies, ignorance and misconceptions regarding EC is unfortunately still prevalent among those who would benefit the most from it. Medical personnel and health workers should be more proactive to propagate benefits of EC and encourage its use, as they are usually the first point of contact to the target population.
ABSTRACT
Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is one of the commonest pregnancy related liver disorder. Although the maternal course is usually benign, there is an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, fetal compromise, meconium stained amniotic fluid and even intrauterine fetal demise. The objective of this study was to study the incidence of IHCP and its impact on maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: A prospective study carried out in 68 number of IHCP cases. Diagnosis was done on the basis of clinical and laboratory parameters. All the cases were followed up to the puerperium to find out maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: The incidence of cholestasis of pregnancy was 2.73%. Most (88%) of the cases were presented with generalized pruritus, relived with ursodeoxycholic acid and complete recovery was observed after delivery. The rate of instrumental delivery was 8.82% and caesarean section rate was 30.88%. Most common indication of caesarean section was fetal distress and non-progress of labour. There was one stillbirth at 35 weeks however none of the mother had complication during labour or puerperal period.Conclusions: Increased level of liver enzymes in patients of IHCP associated with poor perinatal outcome. Therefore, careful monitoring during antenatal period and termination of pregnancy at term will result in favourable outcome of both mother and baby.