An assessment of maternal morbidity pattern among reproductive age group women in a district of West Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Introduction: For each maternal mortality, there are number of various morbidities, which directly or indirectly affects health of women. For every woman who dies of pregnancy-related causes, an estimated 20 women experience acute or chronic morbidity, often with tragic consequences. Objectives: To assess maternal morbidity pattern, prevalence of maternal morbidity & its associated factors. Material and Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was conducted among 450 women of reproductive age group women of Jamnagar district. Study subjects were selected by multistage sampling. Data collected in proforma consist of sociodemographic profile, past obstetric profile & any antenatal, Intranatal, & postnatal morbidities. Results: Prevalence of maternal morbidity was about 80% with, highest morbidity found during antenatal period in 36% subjects, followed by 26% in postnatal period. There were also associated medical problems during pregnancy. Conclusion: There is 80% prevalence of morbidity related to pregnancy which adds on to ill health of women. It was also observed that statistical significance between few of the important variables like educational status, parity & place of delivery, which could be independent risk factors & occurrence of maternal morbidity.