The risk of grandmultiparity in Kelantan

Abstract

Grandmultiparity have been considered a high risk obstetric patient. In Malaysia, it is designated as a risk factor which would require hospital delivery. In Kelantan where cultural values are stronger, hospital delivery is an unattractive option for these mothers. This study focussed on the risks involved for grandmultiparity in the community setting in Kelantan. It was associated with a number of antenatal complications but labour and neonatal complications were almost similar with non grandmultiparous mothers. It can be said that grandmultiparous mothers without any other antenatal risk factors is a low risk pregnancy and need not be delivered in a hospital. However, availability of transportation to the hospital is important should any complication occur. The use of low risk birth centres in the rural health centres as the place of delivery for these mothers in a possible solution.