The Impact of Interpregnancy Interval on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Interpregnancy Interval and its Fetomaternal Outcome

Abstract

Background: A short inter-pregnancy interval is the time interval of less than or equal to eighteen months between the previous baby’s delivery and the next conception. Objective: To assess the influence of SIPI on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Settings: Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar Pakistan. Duration: December 2023 and May 2024. Methods: This study included 150 pregnant women. 2 groups of expectant mothers fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were constituted. Women's pregnancy outcomes and perinatal problems were recorded. 75 pregnant women with SIPI (with an IPI of ≤6 months following a miscarriage and ≤18 months following a delivery) were included in the research. The study included 75 pregnant women with NIPI, I.e., an IPI between 19-59 months, as controls. Results: The age group of 25–30 years comprised the largest group of participants (47.3%). The participants' average age was 29±2.6 years old. Anemia was common with SIPI (60% versus 40%, p = 0.018), gestational hypertension (p value = 0.002, 22.5% versus 77.5%), and Gestational diabetes (p-value = 1.2). Obstetric cholestasis (71% versus 29%, p value = 0.005). Preterm delivery (p value = 0.33), premature rupture of membranes (p value = 0.54), admission in the NICU (p value was 0.133), and postpartum morbidity (p value was 0.411) did not significantly correlate with IPI. Caesarean section rates were higher in women with SIPI (67% versus 33%, p value = 0.018), low birth weights (95% versus 5%, p value = 0.016). Conclusion: Significant morbidity and unfavorable perinatal outcomes were experienced by women who had an IPI of <18 months.