GREAT GRAND MULTIPARITY - IS IT A RISK

Objective: To compare antenatal and intrapartum complications incidenc e among women delivering for the 10th time or more and to compare this with those of low parity (para 2-5). Methods: The records of (154) wo men of great grand multipara (para > 10) were reviewed and compared wi th (308) women (para 2-5) delivered during the same period. Antepartum as well as intrapartum complications were compared, all occurring bet ween 16 April 1994 and 15 January 1995. Results: Great grand multiparo us women are older. The incidence of diabetes mellitus, chronic hypert ension and preterm labor are similar to those with low parity, while t hey have higher incidences of pre-eclampsia (7.1% vs. 2.6%) and intrau terine fetal death (5.2 vs. 1.3%) P < 0.025. There were no differences in the incidences of placental abruption, placenta previa, malpresent ation, postpartum hemorrhage and operative delivery between the two gr oups. Great grand multipara also have a higher incidence of macrosomia (12% vs. 12%) P < 0.0001. Conclusion: Great grand multiparous woman a re at increased risk of having pre-eclampsia, intrauterine fetal death and macrosomia. (C) 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and O bstetrics.