Perinatal Outcomes in Women Presenting with Antepartum Hemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of different causes and perinatal outcomes in women presented with antepartum hemorrhage regarding perinatal mortality, low birth weight and requirement of NICU admission.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan, from December 2023 to June 2024. A total of 95 women presenting with antepartum hemorrhage (APH) with age between 15 to 45 years having singleton pregnancy and gestational age between 24-42 weeks were enrolled in the study. All cases of APH were assessed to identify the causes (placental abruption, placenta previa, toxemia, or others), and perinatal outcomes were documented, including stillbirth, low birth weight, neonatal death, and admission to NICU.

Results: The mean maternal age was 30.6±5.5 years, and gestational age was 30.9±6.1 weeks. 36.8% of female delivered through spontaneous vaginal delivery while 63.2% underwent cesarean section. Among possible causes of APH, placenta previa accounts for 36.8%, placental abruption 56.8% and toxemia was responsible for 6.3% of APH. Low birth weight was most prevalent complications with 40% proportion, followed by NICU admission 13.7%, still birth 5.3% and neonatal death 5.3%. 35.8% of babies were birth alive. Stratification was done for various effect modifiers but significant difference for perinatal outcome was noted only for different parity groups.

Conclusions: Placental abruption and placenta previa are among the primary causes of APH. Low birth weight and high admission to NICU rate are among the major perinatal adverse outcomes.