Post-invasion change in the trend of complications and outcome of pregnancy in Maternity Hospital Kuwait from 1981 to 1995.

To assess the trend in the complications and outcome of pregnancy in Maternity Hospital, Kuwait, a retrospective analysis of yearly hospital statistics books and labour ward records of patients delivering in Maternity Hospital Kuwait was carried out for the period 1981 to 1995. In the post-invasion period there is a significant rise in: primiparity; mothers aged 35 years or older; Kuwaiti mothers; and in multiple pregnancy. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and hysterectomy for postpartum haemorrhage also increased. There was a significant increase in spontaneous abortions and low birth weight babies. The incidence of hydatidiform mole has significantly decreased. Still birth rate shows a decreasing trend in the study period. The significant change in the age and parity of the mothers delivering in the post-invasion period might partly explain the above changes. However, the effect of environmental pollution, social and psychological stress, and anxiety due to war may have also contributed to an increase in the complications and adverse outcomes of pregnancy.