Birth Risk Indicators for Maternal and Neonatal Health: Songkla Center Hospital Perspective
Peeranan Kaewsuksai MD*, Verapol Chandeying MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Songkla Center Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand ** Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
Objective : The aim of the present study was to examine the maternal and neonatal birth risk indicator and their relationship
with the outcome of pregnancy.
Material and Method: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in a selective month of 2008, 2009, and 2010. The
birth risk indicators of maternal and neonatal health were collected from the medical records.
Results : There were 385, 349 and 334 deliveries in a selective month of 2008, 2009, and 2010. There was neither maternal
mortality, nor cardiovascular failure in the present study period. Three main indication of inductions of labor were premature
rupture of membrane (up to 4.0%), diabetes mellitus (up to 2.0%), and postdate (up to 1.3%). The first two conditions had
statistical significance in September 2009 (p = 0.0334 and 0.0053 respectively). Whereas, the three major indications of
cesarean section were previous cesarean section (12.5 to 21.9%), failure to progress due to protracted/arrest of labor pattern
with/without rupture of membrane and augmented labor (2.4 to 7.5%), and fetal distress (1.1 to 4.2%). The rates of low birth
weight, less than 2,500 grams, were varied from 5.2 to 6.9%. The respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) related to repeat
cesarean section was encountered up to 3.6%, as well as the RDS related to induction of labor was up to 1.6%.
Conclusion : The birth risk indicators reflect the outcome of pregnancy, however, the development of additional key indicators
for perinatal health care outcome are required.
Keywords : Birth risk indicator, Maternal health, Neonatal health
