Intrauterine Growth Restriction Among Pregnant Hypertensive Women of Urban and Rural Areas

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) seems to have long-term health consequences in a newborn’s life. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with placental blood flow and may lead to IUGR. This study aimed to determine the frequency and outcome of IUGR in hypertensive pregnant females of urban and rural areas. Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 in the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, CMH Kohat. All pregnant patients(n=170) of age between 18 to 45 years, either nulliparous or multiparous diagnosed with hypertensive disorders were observed for IUGR and its outcomes including appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) score, and stillbirth in urban and rural females. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The stratification was performed for different variables and the Chi-square test was applied post-stratification with a confidence interval of 95% and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean maternal and gestational age (mean ± SD) was 28.05±7.07 years and 36.16±3.64 weeks respectively. IUGR was detected in 110 (64.7%) babies. The outcomes observed were a low APGAR score of 42 (24.7%) and stillbirth was seen in 28 (16.46%) females. While IUGR in the urban population was 63.1% and higher in rural females at 65.71% (p = 0.80), the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was found that rural females had a high percentage of IUGR in babies which is associated with low APGAR scores and stillbirth. Therefore, timely intervention can prevent hostile consequences and growth disorders.