Chronic Diseases during Pregnancy and Birth Outcome: A Study Based on Tertiary Hospital of Mumbai

Abstract

 Background/Objective: Chronic disease has emerged as one of the most serious public health 
problems while disease prevalence during pregnancy had a greater risk of premature death 
and long-term illness. However, it is an important determinant of an adverse birth outcome 
like pre-term delivery, low birth-weight, premature delivery, stillbirths, perinatal morbidity and 
mortality. Hence, the study examines the chronic disease prevalence among women and its 
association with adverse birth outcome.
 Methods: The study was conducted on inpatients’ that came for delivery in a tertiary hospital of 
Mumbai from 20th January to 31st May 2013, by using semi-structured questionnaire. Questions 
were asked about chronic disease prevalence before and during pregnancy and the outcome of 
pregnancy. 
Result: About 50% of women were reported of having some sort of chronic disease during 
pregnancy while severe anemia was the most common complication irrespective of pregnancy 
status. Women with any chronic disease during pregnancy have a higher risk of adverse birth 
outcome such as low birth-weight and pre-mature delivery, etc. Where a significant difference 
was found between women with chronic disease during pregnancy and without disease in 
delivering premature and low weight at birth baby. 
Conclusion: Obstetric health complications are one of the major health issues that result 
in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, and it is very important to know about the 
complications and its consequences on birth outcomes. This will help to improve the health 
status of the mother and the newborn.