Short interpregnancy interval and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in a Middle Eastern country

Background/Aims A short interpregnancy interval is associated with several maternal and neonatal complications. In Oman, the incidence of short interpregnancy interval is well documented in the annual health report, but evidence is lacking on its impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined short interpregnancy interval, its risk factors and its association with the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Omani pregnant women. Methods A retrospective matched case–control design was adopted. Data were collected from medical records between January and December 2020. A total of 597 pregnant women from two tertiary care hospitals in Oman were included. Results There was a significant relationship between interpregnancy interval and the prevalence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including postpartum haemorrhage, iron deficiency anemia, preterm birth and low birth weight. Significant risk factors for a short interpregnancy interval were advanced maternal age, young age at first birth, low parity and previous perinatal loss. Conclusions Encouraging acceptance of birth spacing through the use of contraception would signify a notable change in cultural values that can act as a barrier to birth spacing. This would therefore improve pregnancy outcomes.