IS GRANDMULTIPARITY A SIGNIFICANT RISK FACTOR IN THIS NEW MILLENNIUM?

The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of grandmultiparous women receiving the current obstetric care in Maternity Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Recent data regarding some of the complications are conflicting and the significance of grandmultiparity is now in question. Therefore, a retrospective cohort study of 237 grandmultiparous and 254 multiparous women were undertaken. Chi-squared and t test were used (P < 0.05) where appropriate. The results revealed that grandmultiparous women tend to be Malays, age above 35, have late antenatal booking and suffered from anemia and non-proteinuric hypertension. There was no significant difference in diabetes and glucose intolerance, ante partum and post partum hemorrhage. There was a significantly lower risk of first and second-degree perineal tear, and prolonged first stage of labor. There was a significant increased in induction of labor but there was no uterine rupture and no increased in Cesarean Section. There was an increased in meconium stain liquor but there was no increased risk of fetal distress. The fetal outcome was good and there was no tendency to macrosomic infants or shoulder dystocia. With adequate care, the maternal fetal outcome of grandmutiparous women is good and comparable to the multiparous women. Anemia is still common and patient education is important to overcome this problem.