EFFECT OF VARYING INTERPREGNANCY INTERVAL ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Inter pregnancy interval(IPI) is defined as the time period from the birth of the previous baby to the conception of the next pregnancy. Short IPI is most frequently defined as less than 6 months, but various definitions, ranging from less than 3 to less than 18 months are used in literature. Long IPI is recommended as more than 24 months by WHO. Both short and long IPI are known to adversely affect the mother and the baby. The present study is undertaken to know the effects of varying interpregnancy interval (IPI)over pregnancy outcome and to find out reasonably safe IPI.

Materials & methods: This a retrospective observational study conducted among 1000 multiparous women with singleton pregnancy who delivered at Government Maternity Hospital ,Tirupathi. All the postpartum women who were willing to participate were briefly explained about the study and informed consent was taken. Data was obtained from direct interview and previous medical records of the women and analysed.

Results: Among 1000 women in the present study, longer intervals(IPI) are common among older mothers when compared to women less than 25 years of age. 61.7% of the rural participants had IPIs of <18 months. As  duration of breastfeeding increased, the IPI also increased. Only 21.2% of the study participants used any form of contraception between two births. The  use of contraceptives obviously increases the IPI. The analysis of relationship between inter pregnancy intervals and preterm births shows that the number of preterm births is least (8.1%) within the 18-24 months IPI category and birth of LBW babies was also less.

Conclusion: Adequate IPI through spacing is the cost effective method to reduce adverse pregnancy outcome.IPI of 24 months is to be promoted for better wellbeing of women .Counseling for the same is to be initiated in  antenatal period itself.