Obstetric Outcomes of Parturients with Female Genital Mutilation in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

C.O. Njoku, C.I. Emechebe, A.N. Njoku, E.E. Efiok and C.U. Iklaki

Background and Objective: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a scourge on womanhood. The aim of study was to determine the socio-demographic features, types and obstetric complications of parturient with FGM Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional case-control study done in the labour ward of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria between 20th December, 2018 and 19th June, 2019. There were 150 pregnant women with FGM in first stage of labour recruited as case and 300 pregnant women without FGM who were also in first stage labour as controls. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data, obstetric and vaginal examinations were done before and after delivery. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 22. Results: Majority of the women had Type I (51.3%), cultural rite (77.3%) was major reason for FGM and were mostly performed by traditional birth attendants (54.7%). FGM was significantly lower among parturients aged 40 years and above (p = 0.015) and higher among those from low social class (p<0.001). There was a significant higher odd of primary postpartum haemorrhage (AOR = 0.210, CI = 0.105- 0.419), first degree perineal tear (AOR = 5.000, CI = 3.529- 7.083) and delayed second stage of labour (AOR = 0.104, CI = 0.057- 0.191) among parturients with FGM. Conclusion: Women with female genital mutilation have higher risk of primary postpartum haemorrhage, first-degree perineal tear and delayed second stage of labour. There should be increase awareness and education in order to eradicate this cruel act.

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