Pregnancies without Prenatal Care in the Health District of Commune V in Bamako: Obstetrical Prognosis

Summary: We attempted to determine the obstetric prognosis of women without antenatal care in the Health District of Commune V of Bamako, Mali. Materials and Methods: We undertook this retrospective case-control study from January 1 to March 31, 2017. Of all women having given birth to during this period in this district, we compared characteristics and obstetric outcomes between women without antenatal care (study group) vs. those with antenatal care (age/parity matched control). Results: 13.8% of women were without antenatal care (23.45 ± 9.56 years of age: 13 - 42). Study group (without antenatal care), compared with control, was significantly more likely to be household helpers (OR = 2.5 [2.0 - 3.4]) and single (OR = 2.3 [1.8 - 2.8]). Study group women were more significantly likely to have the following poor obstetric outcomes: premature rupture of the membranes, post-maturity, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, uterine rupture, fetal death, anemia, fetal malposition, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, puerperal infection and maternal death. Study group showed a higher risk of early neonatal death, low Apgar score, and transfer to Neonatology institute. Conclusion: In accordance with the previous reports in any other countries, no prenatal checkup causes higher poor outcome of both mothers and infants/neonates also in this area.