Grand Multiparity

ABSTRACT

A retrospective comparative study was conducted to evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcome of grand multiparity in a relatively homogeneous population with low socioeconomic status. The incidence of various obstetric and medical complications in the grand multiparae was compared with less parous women. The primigravidae were excluded from the analysis because of the high risk of maternal and neonatal complications during first pregnancy. The women were divided into two groups. Group-1 consisted of grand multiparous women with parity 5 or more and group-II comprised non grand multiparous women with parity 1 to 4. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes, antepartum haemorrhage and macrosomia was significantly increased in grand multiparae while rate of episiotomy was significantly decreased. A 7-fold increase in maternal mortality was seen in grand multiparae but perinatal mortality was the same in both groups. It is concluded that grand multiparity should be regarded as high risk pregnancy and steps should be taken to reduce its incidence