Outcome of pregnancy in women with motorcycle accidents in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Three hundred and seventeen pregnant women managed in the maternity section of the University of Teaching Hospital, Calabar as a result of motorcycle accidents were assessed to determine maternal and perinatal complications and outcome of such pregnancies. The incidence of 6.6% of all deliveries was established with a rising trend over the years of 3.3% in 2001 to 8.7% in 2003. Married (42.3%), civil servants (34.6%) and multiparous (59.6%) women were more prone to having accidents in pregnancy. Risk was increased among those who sat more than one as passengers (40.3%) or sideways (42.3%) and in the third trimester of pregnancy (40.4%). Even though majority had uneventful pregnancy (62.5%) and normal deliveries (59.6%) some had life threatening complications such as abruptio placentae, ruptured uterus and 21.1% were delivered by caesarean section. Pregnant women in the third trimester or in labour should be the only passenger on motorcycle and sit astride. Strict enforcement of traffic laws by the relevant authority ensuring that only those properly trained and licensed are allowed to operate commercial motorcycle transports. Pregnant women irrespective of gestational age and degree of trauma should report in the obstetric emergency unit for proper assessment to avoid overlooking life-threatening injuries.


Keywords: motorcycle accidents, pregnancy complications

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5 (1), 2005: 46-50