Background

Obstetrical emergencies are life threatening medical conditionsthat occurin pregnancy or during or after labor and delivery whichcan cause major maternal morbidity with potential catastrophic consequences.The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile of women presenting with obstetric emergencies in obstetric care units of a tertiary care centre in Ernakulam District, Kerala.

Methods

A retrospective survey was carried out using record analysis of cases presented with selected obstetric emergencies in obstetric care units over a period of one year in a tertiary care hospital in the state of Kerala, India.A structured clinical profile checklist was prepared to collect the data. Data were analyzed using ‘R’ software.

Results

Out of 2728 deliveries during a one year period from December 2015 to November 2016, a total of 127 women were found to have encountered some form of obstetric emergencies. Postpartum haemorrhage (2.75%) was the leading emergency condition followed by Abruptio placenta (1.09%). The overall incidence of obstetric emergencies was 4.65% of all deliveries during this study period. There were no cases of maternal deaths reported among the cases investigated. Records showed that Abruptio placenta had worst neonatal outcome with greater prevalence of prematurity being 73.33%, fetal distress (16.66%) and neonatal death (13.33%) respectively.

Conclusion

Postpartum hemorrhage and Abruptio placenta remains as the most common entities requiring intensive care among obstetric patients. A multidisciplinary team involvement is essential to deal with these clinical entities to avoid occurrence of maternal morbidity and mortality. Active implementation of emergency obstetric care and incorporation of obstetric drill to update the caregiver’s skill lays a strong foundation for safe fetomaternal outcome.