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

ABSTRACT

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