Relationship between the Gestational Age at Delivery, Obstetric Parameters and Perinatal Outcomes in the University of UYO Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Gestational age at delivery is an important determinant of obstetric management and perinatal outcomes, including birth weight, mode of delivery, Apgar score and perinatal survival. However, local evidence describing these outcomes across preterm, term and post-term deliveries in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital remains limited. Aims: The study aims to categorise gestational age at delivery and assess the relationship between gestational age at delivery, obstetric findings and perinatal outcomes in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Study Design: Retrospective analytical study. Methodology: This study reviewed 15,080 deliveries conducted in the obstetric unit over a 10-year period. Data were extracted from the labour ward register, obstetrics theatre records, case files and neonatal unit records. The extracted variables included maternal characteristics, gestational age at delivery, foetal presentation, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores and perinatal outcome. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean ages of women in the preterm, term and post-term groups were 30.32, 30.03 and 28.43 years, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. Breech presentation was more frequent before 37 weeks than at term. Caesarean section rates were higher among preterm and post-term deliveries than among term deliveries. Perinatal death was lowest at term and higher among preterm and post-term deliveries. Mean birth weight also differed significantly across gestational-age groups. Conclusion: Gestational age at delivery was significantly associated with obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Accurate gestational-age assessment and appropriate clinical decision-making remain important for improving outcomes in this setting