Incidence of post-partum complications and referrals of mothers and neonates to hospitals from a Midwife Obstetric Unit

Background: The successful implementation of obstetric care should identify the maternal and foetal complications and refer to higher healthcare facilities in saving their lives. The study aimed to estimate the maternal and foetal complications risk factors during post-partum. Method: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at a midwife obstetric unit among all women who had childbirths from January 2018 to October 2019. Regression analysis was used to predict risk factors. Results: The maternal and neonatal complications were 5.9% and 6.7% respectively. Regression analysis showed that mothers did not have antenatal care (ANC) were 2.8 times (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.5:5.4, p=0.001) and six times (OR=5.9, 95% CI; 2.7:12.5, p=0.000) more likely to have maternal and neonatal complications respectively. Gestational age < 32 weeks 19.0 times, (OR=19.0, 95% CI; 9.3:39.0, p=0.000) and 32-36 weeks, 4.6 times (OR=4.6, 95% CI; 2.5:9.4.0, p=0.000) more likely to have neonatal complications. Mothers without syphilis was 63% (OR=.37, 95% CI; .14:.97, p=0.04) less likely to have neonatal complications. Conclusion: Maternal and neonatal complication rates were comparable with others of similar settings. Pregnant women should be educated on the importance of ANC and strategies should be considered for improving ANC uptake and care to reduce maternal and neonatal complications. Keyword: Antenatal care; gestational age; syphilis.