Fetomaternal Outcome in Term Pregnancies with Short Interpregnancy Interval

Introduction: Short interpregnancy interval (IPI), defined as the duration of less than 18 months between a previous delivery and conception, is common in developing countries and has been associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the fetomaternal outcomes in term pregnancies with short IPI.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital and Sangameshwara Teaching Hospital, Kalaburagi, from June 2024 to November 2025. A total of 100 term pregnancies with previous live births were enrolled. Maternal outcomes including anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), oligohydramnios, postpartum hemorrhage, and scar dehiscence were recorded. Mode of delivery and indications for cesarean section were documented. Fetal outcomes assessed included birth weight, APGAR scores, congenital anomalies, stillbirth, and NICU admissions.

Results: Anemia was the most common maternal complication (59%), followed by PROM (15%), postpartum hemorrhage (10%), oligohydramnios (7%), PIH (6%), and scar dehiscence (9%). Cesarean delivery was performed in 63% of cases, with scar tenderness (30.2%), previous LSCS (25.4%), and fetal distress (19%) as leading indications. Neonatal outcomes showed low birth weight in 18%, NICU admissions in 21%, APGAR score <7 at 1 minute in 20% and at 5 minutes in 10%, congenital anomalies in 5%, and stillbirth in 1%.

Conclusion: Short IPI is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, higher cesarean rates, and increased NICU admissions. These findings underscore the importance of promoting adequate birth spacing through postpartum counseling, nutritional supplementation, and family planning interventions to improve fetomaternal outcomes