PREVALENCE OF HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN ANTENATAL WOMEN AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN RAJASTHAN.
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Keywords
High-risk pregnancy; Antenatal care; Maternal risk factors; Anaemia in pregnancy; Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; Tertiary care centre; Rajasthan
Abstract
Background: High-risk pregnancy (HRP) is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies during antenatal care is essential for preventing adverse outcomes. Data on the prevalence and determinants of HRP from tertiary care settings in Rajasthan remain limited.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy and identify its socio-demographic and obstetric determinants among antenatal women attending a tertiary care centre in Rajasthan.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months (September 2024 to February 2025) among antenatal women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan. A total of 182 pregnant women were included using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pre-designed, semi-structured proforma covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and medical and pregnancy-related risk factors. High-risk pregnancy was defined as the presence of one or more medical, obstetric, or socio-demographic risk factors. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of high-risk pregnancy was 30.8%. Anaemia was the most common high-risk condition (42.9%), followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (32.1%) and gestational diabetes mellitus (17.9%). A statistically significant association was observed between high-risk pregnancy and maternal age (p = 0.017), with higher risk at extremes of age, and parity (p = 0.042), with increased risk among multiparous women. Although a higher proportion of high-risk pregnancies was observed among rural women, the association was not statistically significant (p = 0.054).
Conclusion: High-risk pregnancy remains a significant public health concern among antenatal women attending tertiary care centres in Rajasthan. Early identification of risk factors, particularly anaemia and hypertensive disorders, through strengthened antenatal care services is crucial. Focused interventions targeting high-risk groups can help improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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Dr. Deepti Chitra
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. PIN Code: 312025
Dr. Pooja Kataria
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, World College of Medical Sciences and Research, Jhajjar, Haryana, India.
Dr. Jatin Prajapati
Post Graduate Student, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. ( ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7298-4499 )
