Grand multiparity: a study of 168 cases

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to consider the problem of grand multiparity in our female population to evaluate if grand multiparity represents a real risk factor for pregnancy, delivery and fetal well-being. From 1981 to 1989 the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Institute of Turin University together with St. Anna Hospital of Turin carried out a retrospective study on pregnancy course, delivery and fetal status in 168 women who had had four or more pregnancies and in 5320 multiparous women who had parity < 4. We analyzed the parity distribution in the different ages with the aid of the registry office and by consulting patient's obstetric clinical history. We evaluated the incidence of gestational complications in the multiparous group. Finally we studied the delivery modality and perinatal mortality in 72,907 births from 1981 to 1989.