Obstetric risk factors in pregnant women at the Type C Health Center - Machala

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the obstetric risks in pregnant women attending the Health Center in the city of Machala. To this end, a classification was established of the biological components that complicate and put the health of the mother and child at risk, such as biological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and cardio-metabolic factors. The study was based on a quantitative approach with a descriptive and cross-sectional design. A self-developed survey was administered to a population of 256 pregnant women, and medical records and scientific articles from journals were reviewed. Relationships were found between age groups, education level, marital status, occupation, parity, weeks of gestation, and prenatal check-ups, which facilitated the identification of determining factors that can range from eating habits and clinical conditions during pregnancy to maternal comorbidities and family history. In conclusion, these risks are related to structural determinants such as unemployment and being single in the sociodemographic sphere, as well as biological factors including anemia and early maternal age. Conversely, healthcare aspects show that late initiation or insufficiency of prenatal care are the least prevalent risks.