Maternal-Fetal Health Metrics as Predictors of Neonatal Outcomes: A Cohort Analysis: Linking Prenatal Metrics to Neonatal Outcomes

Sadif Wagan; Shagufta  Wagan; Aisha Wagan

Authors

Sadif Wagan Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan
Shagufta Wagan Chandka Teaching Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan
Aisha Wagan Chandka Teaching Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan

Keywords:

Cesarean Section, Fetal Health, Gestational Age, Hypertension, Intensive Care Units, Pregnancy-Induced

Abstract

Background: This study aims to quantify relationships between maternal-fetal health metrics and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates through analysis of blood pressure categories, delivery methods, fetal health classifications, and gestational age.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 2,104 maternal-fetal health records from Shafiq Medical Center, Larkana, Pakistan (February–July 2024). Statistical evaluation included chi-square tests for categorical variables (blood pressure categories, fetal health status, delivery type, gestational age groups) and Pearson correlation for continuous parameters (maternal age, blood pressure values, labor duration).

Results: Among pregnancies with hypertensive crisis (6.18%), 100% required NICU admission versus 70.37% for Stage 2 hypertension. Cesarean deliveries showed 87.65% admission rates compared to 4.15% for vaginal births. Pathologic fetal health classifications and preterm births had 100% and 26.55% admission rates, respectively. Diastolic blood pressure demonstrated the strongest correlation with NICUadmission (r=0.87), followed by systolic pressure (r=0.78). Maternal age (r=0.56) and labor duration (r=0.45) showed moderate positive correlations with admissions.

Conclusion: Stage 2 hypertension, hypertensive crisis, cesarean delivery, pathologic fetal status, and preterm birth are strong independent predictors of NICU admission. These metrics should inform both clinical risk stratification and neonatal care resource allocation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.03/005

Author Biographies

Sadif Wagan, Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Shagufta Wagan, Chandka Teaching Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Aisha Wagan, Chandka Teaching Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

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