Caracterização das mães, partos e nascidos vivos de gestações múltiplas em Cajazeiras, Paraíba (2006- 2013).

Abstract

Introduction: multiple pregnancy is characterized by the presence of two or more concepts in the uterine cavity simultaneously. The incidence of this type of gestation has increased worldwide and this fact may be due to factors such as the greater use of drugs that induce ovulation, the technological advances in the area of assisted reproduction and the increase of maternal age at conception. Multiple gestation is related to many peri and postnatal complications such as prematurity, low birth weight and neonatal death. Objective: to determine the incidence of multiple pregnancies in the period from 2006 to 2013, occurring in the city of Cajazeiras, Paraíba, and to characterize these cases, under the maternal, gestational and newborn aspects. Methods: this is a retrospective cohort study with primary data obtained through the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) through the 1st copy of the Declaration of Live Birth (DN) contained in the Epidemiological Surveillance Service of the Health Department of Cajazeiras-PB. Data were collected from all DN of mothers living in Cajazeiras- PB, who had children born alive in this city, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2013, totalizing n=6560 live births, with the criterion of inclusion being multiple pregnancy, with n=117. The analyzes were performed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 17.0. For the study of the correlation between the variables, the chi- square test (χ2), or Fisher's Exact Test for dichotomous variables and the Linkability Ratio test for non-dichotomous variables, when appropriate, were used. Results: the mean birth rate of twins was 1.8%, similar to that found in Brazil and Paraíba, and data analysis revealed an increase in the birth of twins at the extremes of the studied years, showing statistical dependence (p=0.014). There was extreme statistical significance in the correlation between multiple pregnancies and the variables prematurity, low birth weight, number of prenatal consultations and type of delivery, both with p<0.001, showing that the newborns tend to be born premature, have low birth weight, were born via cesarean delivery and mothers had few prenatal consultations. Discussion: the findings of the present study are in agreement with those found in the literature, leading us to discuss the importance of knowing the incidence of complications arising from multiple pregnancy and to think of ways to avoid them. Conclusions: the problems arising from multiple gestation are amenable to interventions within the health services and are mainly related to the quality of primary care. Public health policies aimed at prenatal care and the reduction of cesarean deliveries are fundamental for the reduction of these complications and the number of neonatal deaths