Indications for late preterm birth, and factors associated with short term maternal and neonatal outcomes at a tertiary care institution

BACKGROUND: The preterm birth rate is rising mainly because of the marked increase in late preterm deliveries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the indications for LPTB and the factors associated with the short term maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care institution. The study sample included 191 women who delivered between October 2019 to November 2020. RESULTS: The majority (81%) were medically indicated LPTB, and mainly for maternal indications (77%). The most common maternal indication for LPTB was for hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP) (82.5%). There was a significant increase in the high care/ ICU admission for maternal indication of LPTB, maternal age < 20 years, and patients with HDP. There was 1 maternal death and 1 neonatal death. 48% of the neonates were admitted to NICU and 53% had neonatal complications. Neonates born by caesarean delivery were more likely to have respiratory complications and be admitted to NICU. CONCLUSION: These maternal/ neonatal factors should be used to identify patients at risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.