Author(s)

Charles Obinna Njoku, Sylvester Etenikang Abeshi, Cajethan Ife Emechebe

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria.

Grand-multiparity is a serious risk factor in pregnancy and common in developing countries. The objective was to compare the obstetric outcome of grand-multiparous women with that of low parity in our center. The study comprised of 150 grand-multiparous women (cases) and 150 multiparous women (para 2 - 4) in this index pregnancy as controls matched for age and admitted for delivery. The mean age of the grand-multiparous women at delivery was 37.0 ± 2.8 years. Grand-multiparity was significantly higher among women with only primary education (48.0% versus 44.7%), polygamous marriages (9.3% versus 3.3%) and Muslims (17.3% versus 6.7%). Pregnancy induced hypertension and primary postpartum hemorrhage were significantly more often seen among grand-multiparous women than among the controls. The mean packed cell volume before delivery in the grand-multiparous women was significantly lower (33.6% ± 2.7%) than in the multiparous group (35.2% ± 2.7%) (P-value = 0.000). Grand-multiparity with its associated complications still occurs frequently in our environment. However, with adequate antenatal surveillance, optimal care during labour and contraceptive use, these problems will be reduced.

Grand Multiparty, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Perinatal Mortality, Nigeria

Njoku, C. , Abeshi, S. and Emechebe, C. (2017) Grand Multiparity: Obstetric Outcome in Comparison with Multiparous Women in a Developing Country. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7, 707-718. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2017.77071.