Obstetric complications and pregnancy outcome among grand multiparous women

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are differences between grand multiparous and non-grand multiparous women regarding obstetric risk factors, obstetric complications, and pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case control study was conducted between the years 2011-2012. The study group included grand multiparous women (≥5 previous deliveries). The control group included non-grand multiparous women (<5 deliveries) who gave birth immediately after the grand multiparous woman and matched according to parity. RESULTS: Prenatal care was less adequate in the grand multiparous group (p<0.001). A higher rate of maternal anemia was found in the grand multiparous group as compared to the multiparous group (p<0.001). Grand multiparity was associated with higher rates of amniotic fluid disorders such as oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (p<0.001). Grand multiparity was also associated with higher birth weight and a lower rate of instrumental delivery (p<0.001). Higher parity was not a risk factor for diabetic disorders, hypertension, and cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Grand multiparity is a risk factor for inadequate prenatal care, maternal anemia, and amniotic fluid disorders and is associated with lower rates of instrumental deliveries and higher birth weight. However, it does not increase the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and cesarean deliveries.