Great grand multiparity: is it a risk?

Abstract

To compare antenatal and intrapartum complications incidence among women delivering for the 10th time or more and to compare this with those of low parity (para 2-5). The records of (154) women of great grand multipara (para > 10) were reviewed and compared with (308) women (para 2-5) delivered during the same period. Antepartum as well as intrapartum complications were compared, all occurring between 16 April 1994 and 15 January 1995. Great grand multiparous women are older. The incidence of diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension and preterm labor are similar to those with low parity, while they have higher incidences of pre-eclampsia (7.1% vs. 2.69%) and intrauterine fetal death (5.2 vs. 1.3%) P < 0.025. There were no differences in the incidences of placental abruption, placenta previa, malpresentation, postpartum hemorrhage and operative delivery between the two groups. Great grand multipara also have a higher incidence of macrosomia (12% vs. 12%) P < 0.0001. Great grand multiparous woman are at increased risk of having pre-eclampsia, intrauterine fetal death and macrosomia.