Maternal Risk Factors, Patterns, and Outcomes of Antenatal Congenital Anomalies: A Hospital-Based Study

Background/Objective: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are structural or functional abnormalities contributing to global neonatal morbidity and mortality. Data on antenatally diagnosed CAs in southern Jordan are limited. The present study reports their prevalence and patterns at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic of a governmental hospital and examines associated maternal, pregnancy, and delivery outcomes. Methods: This retrospective, hospital-based study involved all pregnant women who presented to the clinic between January 2022 to December 2023 and were diagnosed with congenital fetal anomalies. Data about maternal characteristics, classification of fetal anomalies, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved from medical files. Statistical analyses comprised chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, independent t-tests, and multiple binary logistic regressions. Results: Among the 750 pregnant women, 74 (9.9%) were diagnosed with CAs. Urinary system anomalies were the most common (54.1%), followed by central nervous system (CNS) anomalies (37.8%). Major anomalies constituted 59.5%, whereas 40.5% were minor anomalies. Gestational age at diagnosis and birthweight were significantly associated with major anomalies (p < 0.05). All stillbirths (10.8%) and pregnancy losses before 24 weeks of gestation (9.5%) occurred in cases with major anomalies (p < 0.05). Though preterm delivery rates were higher with major anomalies, this association was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Major CAs (59.5%) in this southern Jordan cohort were strongly linked to stillbirths and early pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved prenatal care. Targeted interventions, including anomaly scans and risk factor (RF) screening, may reduce the 9.9% prevalence observed.