Maternal and fetal factors associated with non detection of fetal growth restriction at term: a retrospective study

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the major factors of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aim was to study the maternal and fetal risk factors associated with non- detection of fetal growth restriction.Methods: A retrospective analysis was done at a tertiary care hospital. 280 term newborn cases weighing <2.5 kg were selected and they were divided into two groups, Group I- FGR detected cases by ultrasound, and group II- FGR non detected cases. Data was collected from the labour room registers.Results: Incidence of FGR found to be 6.8%.The maternal biological factors found to be significantly associated with fetal growth restriction were gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension and anemia. Fewer ANC visits was associated with non-detection of FGR cases. Detection of FGR cases were more if the birth weight found to be <2 kg when compared to non detection of FGR cases.Conclusions: Anaemia and fewer ante natal visits were associated with non detection of FGR at term when compared with antenatally detected FGR patients.

Utilization Of Maternal Health Care Services In Uttarakhand: Comparative Study Between Two Divisions: Kumaun And Garhwal

Background: Maternal mortality remains a biggest setback in developing nations like India. Almost 90% of maternal deaths can be prevented by timely intervention, antenatal care acts as an effective tool to reduce both maternal and infant mortality. The objective of this study is to assess the utilization of antenatal care services in two divisions of Uttarakhand: Kumaun and Garhwal.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out using secondary data source i.e. NFHS-4 data of Uttarakhand which is divided into two regions, Garhwal and Kumaun. Statistical test i.e. Z-test is used for the comparison between two regions and within inter districts of Uttarakhand.Result: The results of this study indicates that between the two regions i.e Kumaun has better utilization of maternal health care facilities. Nainital district recorded best and Pithoragarh district recorded the least utilization of ANC services in Kumaun division. In Garhwal division, district Chamoli and Dehradun recorded highest utilization of maternal health care services whereas Rudraprayag and Tehri-Garhwal had discouraging statistics.Conclusion: Uttarakhand has immensely progressed in terms of maternal health in recent times; still there are some key areas that require immediate attention. Certain districts in both Garhwal and Kumaun division need assistance to improve maternal health care seeking behavior amongst the mother and the family. Dissemination of information and benefits regarding the utilization of ANC services should be encouraged to achieve a reduction in maternal mortality.