A study on fetomaternal outcome in late preterm labour (34 weeks – 36 weeks 6 days) in a tertiary care centre, Rajkot

Srishti Kapoor; Shetal S. Prajapati

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20261285

Authors

Srishti Kapoor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Shetal S. Prajapati Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20261285

Keywords:

Late preterm, Maternal outcome, Neonatal jaundice, Pregnancy, Rajkot

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, presents significant risks for short- and long-term health outcomes. This study evaluates risk factors, delivery modes and feto-maternal outcomes in late preterm labor.

Methods: This 1.5 years prospective observational study was conducted on 300 women delivering between 34 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days at P.D.U Medical College, Rajkot, from February 2023 to July 2024. Inclusion criteria involved spontaneous labor; induced labors and specific co-morbidities were excluded.

Results: The majority of patients were under 25 years (62%) and nulliparous (39.3%). Common risk factors included Gestational HTN (14.6%), UTI (11.3%) and prior abortions (17.33%). Most deliveries were vaginal (85.3%). Neonatal jaundice was the leading cause of NICU admission (8.33%). Low APGAR scores (<7) at 5 minutes were observed in 23.66% of neonates.

Conclusions: Late preterm labor is significantly associated with nulliparity and hypertensive disorders. While vaginal delivery is common, there is a high requirement for NICU care, particularly for jaundice and respiratory support. Collaboration between obstetricians and neonatologists is essential to improve outcomes.

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