A Retrospective Study to find out Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat

Background : Data pertaining to preventable causes of maternal mortality are valuable in each set up to design interventional steps for the significant reduction of the maternal mortality ratio. Objectives : (1) To study the trend on Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR); (2) To find out the factors for the Maternal Mortality. Material and Methods : A retrospective cross-sectional study of maternal death was conducted in the Obstetrics Department of Tertiary Care Hospital of Ahmedabad city. The data of total 9 years from 1st April 2013 to 31st January 2021 were taken in the study. Epidemiological factors and causes affecting maternal mortality were assessed through pretested questionnaire that includes parity, duration between admission and mortality etc. Results: Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was 180.2 per 1 lac live births during the study period. Young mothersaged 20 to 30 years (78.5%), and rural residence (76.6%), multiparous mothers (66.7%)were at risk for Maternal Mortality. Obstetric haemorrhage (25.8%) was the most common cause whereas COVID-19 pandemic later on were indirect causes contributing to Maternal Mortality. Conclusion: Great Care should be taken for high-risk pregnancy like young age, multiparous women and also of postpartum women. Postpartum haemorrhage was the commonest direct cause of Maternal Mortality. Strengthening of existing obstetric care facilities, facility for easy transport, appropriate referral linkages are keys to reduce Maternal Mortality to further extent

Proportion of Consanguineous Marriages in Community and Factors Affecting Pregnancy Outcome : A Hospital based Study in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat

Objectives : To find out (i) the proportion and the types of consanguinity and (ii) its correlation with fetal loss, neonatal deaths, complication related to obstetric and congenital abnormalities. Methods : All the delivered women at Tertiary Care Hospital were included in the cross sectional study during the study period. Total sample size was 6775. Information regarding educational status, occupation, consanguinity and pregnancy outcome was collected. Results : 17% consanguinity was found in selected people and among these marriages, 59.8% were between first cousins. There was highly significant difference observed between the consanguineous status of women and pregnancy outcome (Congenital malformations, abortion, Intrauterine death). Conclusion: The incidence of congenital abnormalities, Intrauterine Device (IUD) and abortion was found higher in Consanguineous marriages. There is a need to improve public awareness regarding problems related to Consanguineous marriages