Review of Grandmultiparity as an obstetric risk factor at the irrua specialist teaching hospital, Irrua.

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between grandmultiparity and reproductive outcome has always been controversial. However, few of such reports have compared pregnancy outcome in grandmultipara to age–matched multipara as control. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. The obstetric case records of 135 grandmultipara who delivered between the 1st of January 2001 – 31st of December 2005 were compared with same number of age-matched multipara, who delivered at the same period and reproductive outcomes compared.
Results: The incidence of ante-partum haemorrhage, abnormal lie, mal-presentation, caesarean section and primary post-partum haemorrhage were all statistically significant findings among the grandmultipara as opposed to age-matched multipara. Conclusion: Grandmultiparity by itself constitutes an increased obstetric risk. Female education, empowerment and use of effective contraception are suggested ways to reduce the incidence of grandmultiparity in our environment.

Keywords: Grandmultiparity, pregnancy, haemorrhage, caesarean section.