Prevalence of Congenital Malformations in Relation to Age, Gestational Age, Family History and Parity in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Unzilla Umer; Ammara Ahmad; Tehmina Roze; Asiya Javed

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i11.2319

Authors

Unzilla Umer Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Ammara Ahmad Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Tehmina Roze Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Asiya Javed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i11.2319

Keywords:

Congenital Abnormalities; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Family History; Pregnancy Outcome. (MeSH Terms)

Abstract

Congenital malformations remain an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in settings where antenatal screening and genetic counseling may be limited. Identification of maternal and familial risk factors can support early detection and preventive counseling. Objective: To determine the prevalence of congenital malformations in newborns and to investigate its association with maternal age, gestational age, family history, and parity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January 01-2022 to June 01, 2022. A total of 179 pregnant women aged 18-35 years with a gestational age of 37-40 weeks were included. Newborns were examined for gross congenital malformations at birth. Data on maternal age, gestational age, parity, and family history of congenital malformations were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.82±2.51 years, mean gestational age was 38.55±0.89 weeks, and mean parity was 1.45±1.25. The overall prevalence of congenital malformations was 4.5%. A highly significant association was found with family history; 88.9% of women with a positive family history had babies with malformations compared to 0% in those without (p=0.000). No significant associations were found with maternal age (p=0.757), gestational age (p=0.123), or parity (p=0.410). Conclusion: A positive family history is a significant risk factor for congenital malformations, suggesting a strong hereditary component. Maternal age, gestational age, and parity were not significantly associated in this cohort. Prenatal counseling and screening should emphasize detailed family history-taking for risk assessment.

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