Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 59-73
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260707
Analysis of Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Preterm Labor
Vidyashree1, Prathima2, Sumitra Sangavi3, Bhavani4
1,2Private Practitioner, Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
3,4Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahaveer Institute of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad, Telangana.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Bhavani
ABSTRACT
Background and aims: Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and continues to impose a substantial burden on maternal health and healthcare systems. Early identification of risk factors and timely obstetric intervention are essential to improve fetomaternal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preterm birth, identify associated maternal and fetal risk factors, and compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between women with preterm and term deliveries at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Methods: A hospital-based comparative case–control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KG Hospital and Postgraduate Medical Institute, Coimbatore, India, between November 2020 and July 2021. A total of 105 pregnant women with gestational age ≥28 weeks were enrolled, comprising 51 women with preterm birth (cases) and 54 women with term birth (controls). Sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, maternal and fetal risk factors, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes were prospectively recorded. Continuous variables were compared using independent t-test, while categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The institutional prevalence of preterm birth was 17%, with late preterm birth (34–37 weeks) accounting for 76% of cases and medically indicated preterm birth representing 63% of all preterm deliveries. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.22–17.89; p<0.05), fetal growth restriction (35% vs. 4%; p<0.001), oligohydramnios (33% vs. 7%; p<0.001), assisted conception, previous adverse obstetric history, and multiple pregnancy were significantly associated with preterm birth. Women with preterm delivery underwent cesarean section more frequently (59% vs. 31%; p<0.05). Preterm neonates had significantly lower birth weight (2.15±0.65 vs. 3.04±0.38 kg; p<0.001), lower 5-minute Apgar scores, higher NICU admission (53% vs. 4%; p<0.001), and increased neonatal complications including hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal death.
Conclusion: Preterm birth remains a significant obstetric challenge, predominantly driven by medically indicated deliveries associated with hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, and high-risk pregnancies. Strengthening antenatal surveillance, early risk stratification, timely referral, and evidence-based obstetric and neonatal interventions may reduce preventable preterm births and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Key words: Preterm Birth; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Fetal Growth Restriction; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal.