Born before arrival (BBA) in Trinidad and Tobago: a 7-year case controlled study - abstract

ABSTRACT

328 babies were born before arrival (BBA) at Hospital over a 7-year period during which time the total number of births was 40,188. These were compared with two separated hospital delivered control groups (Control I 302 patients of similar age and parity); (Control II 262 patients of similar gestational age and foetal birth weight). It was found that BBA was more common in multiparous women (92.9 percent vs 75.5 percent) who had lack of antenatal care (20.1 precent vs 3.0 percent vs 3.4 percent, P<0.001) and who had a similar previous event(p<0.001). The condition was associated with a significant higher incidence of genital tract trauma (p<0.05) than in controls. Perinatal mortality was more common than in control group I but was similar to control group II, the latter because of the high risk obstetrical cases in this group. Unlike other studies, young maternal age, unmarried and distance from hospital were not significant contributing factors. Provision and uptake of antenatal care must be considered the cornerstone in the prevention of BBA and its serious consequences (AU)