Birth Spacing Effect on Maternal Health

Document Type : Original Article

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women's Health& Midwifery Nursing department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Government, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Suboptimal interpregnancy interval has been linked with negative maternal, perinatal, baby, and child outcomes. Birth spacing is a recommended tool by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to reduce adverse health outcomes. Aim: The study sought to investigate the effect of birth spacing on maternal health. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was utilized. Study subjects: A convenient sample of 323 women who were admitted to antenatal clinics at Mansoura University Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology Centers, which are associated with the Ministry of Higher Education. Data collection tool: A structured interview questionnaire was utilized. Results: The study result revealed 31.6% of the studied women had birth spacing less than 2 years. 52.9%, 43.4%, 29.1%, 24.2% & 19.2% respectively of studied women had increased risk of maternal complications like abortion, anemia, precipitated labor, oligohydramnios and gestational diabetes mellitus. Also, the study result revealed 25.1% of the studied women who had birth spacing more than 5 years, 45.8% &43.7% respectively of studied women had labor dystocia and preeclampsia. Conclusion: There was a strong association between birth spacing and mother health status. Birth spacing of less than 2 years and more than 5 years was associated with a greater risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Recommendation: Raising women’s awareness about the risks of inadequate birth spacing and its potential poor maternal, perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric health outcomes.

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