Pregnancy outcome in primigravida with threatened miscarriage- A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Threatened miscarriage is a common complication in early pregnancy, 
often associated with anxiety regarding the outcome. This study aims to evaluate the 
association of threatened miscarriage with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This prospective study included 96 pregnant women with threatened 
miscarriage (cases) and 100 pregnant women without threatened miscarriage (controls) 
matched for age. Data were collected on maternal age, gestational age at bleeding, 
bleeding amount, subchorionic hematoma, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal 
outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social 
Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0. Quantitative variables were analyzed using the 
independent t-test, and qualitative variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test or 
Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered 
statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.95 ± 2.92 years for cases and 24.89 
± 2.87 years for controls. In the cases group, 16.67% had spontaneous miscarriages 
compared to 3% in the control group (p=0.001). Subchorionic hematoma was detected 
in 18.75% of cases. No significant association was found between threatened 
miscarriage and premature rupture of membranes (PROM), pregnancy-induced 
hypertension (PIH), placenta previa, or abruptio placenta. However, significant 
differences were observed in NICU admissions (20% vs. 8.25%, p=0.023), low birth 
weight (37.50% vs. 14.43%, p=0.0004), preterm birth (30% vs. 8.25%, p=0.0002), and 
fetal growth restriction (FGR) (17.5% vs. 5%, p=0.023).

Conclusion: Threatened miscarriage is significantly associated with adverse maternal 
and neonatal outcomes, including an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage, low 
birth weight, preterm delivery, NICU admissions, and FGR. Pregnancies complicated 
by threatened miscarriage should be considered high-risk, necessitating meticulous 
antenatal care, counseling, and careful planning of delivery to improve outcomes.