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Parity and pregnancy outcomes
Jun Bai1, Felix W S Wong, Adrian Bauman
1Division of Women's & Child Health, Liverpool Health Service, South Western Sydney Area Health Service, New South Wales, Australia. jun.bai@swsahs.nsw.gov.au
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 21, 2002
Summary
Nulliparity and grand multiparity (4+ births) are associated with increased risks for pregnancy complications, neonatal morbidity, and perinatal mortality compared to low multiparity (1-3 births). This highlights the need for targeted attention to these parity groups.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Epidemiology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- The relationship between parity and pregnancy outcomes remains a long-standing area of debate.
- Previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding the risks associated with different levels of parity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parity and various pregnancy outcomes.
- To clarify the risk stratification based on parity for obstetric complications, neonatal morbidity, and perinatal mortality.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis was performed using a large dataset of singleton births in New South Wales, Australia (1992-1997).
- Pregnancy outcomes were compared across different parity groups, adjusting for confounders like maternal age, smoking status, and socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between parity levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Three risk groups were identified: nulliparity, low multiparity (1-3 births), and grand multiparity (4-8 births).
- Nulliparous and grand multiparous women, along with their neonates, faced higher risks compared to those with low multiparity.
Conclusions:
- The study supports defining grand multiparity as starting from parity 4 (the fifth baby).
- Nulliparity and grand multiparity represent distinct high-risk groups requiring specific clinical attention.
- Understanding these parity-specific risks is crucial for optimizing maternal and neonatal care.