Grandmultiparity: experience at Awka, Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Grandmultiparity (five or more previous viable births) is traditionally considered a high-risk obstetric condition.
• This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated problems, and contributing factors of grandmultiparity in a specific region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of grandmultiparity.
• To evaluate the obstetric complications and associated factors in grandmultiparous women.
• To identify strategies for reducing the burden of grandmultiparity.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study comparing 135 grandmultiparous women with 135 women of lower parity (Para 2-3).
• Data collected over three years (January 2006-December 2008) at Amaku General Hospital, Awka.
• Comparison of pregnancy/labor problems, delivery mode, birth weight, and maternal/perinatal mortality between groups.

Main Results:

• The incidence of grandmultiparae was 7.53%.
• Grandmultiparous women had higher rates of unbooked status (21.5% vs 4.4%), anemia (36.3% vs 8.9%), and cesarean sections (23.0% vs 4.4%).
• Maternal mortality rate in the grandmultiparae group was 22.2/1000, with no deaths in the control group.

Conclusions:

• Improving socioeconomic standards for women and promoting family planning awareness are crucial.
• These interventions can significantly reduce the incidence and complications associated with grandmultiparity.