The Impact Of Frequent Reproductive Cycle On Pregnancy Outcome And Maternal Nutritional Status

ABSTRACT Background: Frequent cycles of reproduction (short interpregnancy interval) have been viewed as a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes, particularly low birth weight which may increase infant mortality. Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of long and short reproductive cycle on pregnancy outcome and maternal nutritional status. Method: A total of eighty-four pregnant women in their third trimester were enrolled in the study and were followed up till delivery. Forty-two of these mothers were multiparous (mothers with more than four births) with short reproductive cycle, (interpregnancy interval of less than twenty-one months) were compared with forty-two other mothers with long reproductive cycle (interpregnancy interval of more than twenty-one months). The outcome of the pregnancy, and the nutritional status of the two groups was also compared. Results: The mean birth weights for the two groups were 3.05 + 0.49 kg and 3.11+ 0.36kg for mothers with 1-2 births and the multiparous mothers, respectively. The mean birth lengths were 48.99 ± 2.91cm and 46.00 + 3.42 cm for mothers with 1-2 births and the multiparous mothers, respectively. Birth lengths were significantly different (p< 0.001) after adjusting for maternal height. The mean head circumference and the gestational age of the index child were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.21). Maternal haemoglobin concentration at 6th month of pregnancy was significantly different (p