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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among women attending a rural, family healthcare unit to evaluate different risk factors for high-risk pregnancy. Background High-risk pregnancy is considered to be a major worldwide health problem with an increased risk of perinatal and maternal mortality. Although only 10–30% of the mothers seen in the antenatal period can be classified as high risk, they account for 70–80% of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Patients and methods The present study was cross-sectional study carried out in a rural village in El-Mehalla city in Gharbia governorate. It included all pregnant women attending a family healthcare unit for antenatal care (Bolkina Family Health Care Unit) during the period of data collection. A predesigned questionnaire was used for interviewing the study participants for data collection – the first part included socioeconomic data, and the second part included obstetric history, present pregnancy history, and associated disease history. The Dutta and Das Scoring System was used for classification of risk factors and identification of high-risk pregnancies. Results The results revealed that 51.3% of the sample had risky pregnancies and 48.7% had no-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancy was found in 9.6% and mild risk was found in 41.8% of the sample according to the Dutta and Das Scoring System. The most significant risk factors in the risky group were abortion, anemia, hypertension, edema, albuminuria, cardiac disease, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies. Conclusion Early identification and prompt treatment of high-risk pregnancy can prevent the development of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

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