Impact of inter pregnancy intervals on abortion rates among women in Chennai

Introduction. Inter pregnancy interval (ipi) is defined as the time between a woman’s delivery of one pregnancy and the conception of her next. It is a crucial factor influencing the health of both the mother and baby during subsequent pregnancies. Despite the high rates of infant mortality in Chennai, India, there is limited research on ipi and its outcomes. This study aims to analyze the demographic profile of women who have experienced abortions, including both medical terminations and natural abortions, in Chennai. Methodology. This hospital-based observational cohort study retrospectively examined the medical records of 200 women of childbearing age (25–29 years) who delivered at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai between January 2017 and December 2022. The study focused on women with consecutive pregnancies spaced by an ipi of 6 to 24 months. Results. The 200 women were divided into four groups of 50 based on their ipi. Among these, 32 women who conceived within less than 6 months reported abortions; 26 women with an ipi of 6–12 months reported abortions; 18 women with an ipi of 12–18 months reported abortions; and 10 women with an ipi of 18–24 months reported abortions. These abortion cases included both medical terminations and natural abortions. Conclusion. The study indicates that shorter inter pregnancy intervals are associated with higher odds of adverse birth outcomes, including increased rates of abortion.