Maternal vaginal flora during labor and its effect on gestational age and birthweight of neonates

Authors

  • Vidya Singaravelu Department of Pediatrics, DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences, Naseeranagar, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20180024

Keywords:

Gestational age, Maternal vaginal flora, SGA babies, Vaginal colonization

Abstract

Background: Identification of the abnormal colonization of the genital tract by a culture based approach has been recommended by the CDC 2000. This will definitely aid in the early recognition of mothers who need to be effectively treated which in turn will prevent newborn infections. Objectives were to study the pattern of maternal vaginal flora in labor and to study the outcome in the neonate.

Methods: This study was conducted on 250 mothers in labor and their babies followed up till discharge in the departments of OBG and neonatology in a tertiary care medical college hospital, Deliveries by caesarean section were excluded.

Results: Of the 250 babies, 70 were small for gestational age (SGA) and of these 60 (85.71%) were born to colonized mothers; whereas among the appropriate for gestation (AGA) babies, 110 (61.11%) were those born to non-colonised mothers. A statistically significant association was found between SGA babies and maternal colonization. Whereas relation between maternal colonization and gestational age did not show a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions: This study shows us that maternal vaginal colonisation in labor significantly impacted the baby's weight with increase in small for gestational age babies being more among the colonised mothers. Hence, finding the organism in the maternal vaginal flora and treating it as per sensitivity might result in lesser incidence of SGA babies.

References

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Published

2018-02-22

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Original Research Articles