Effect of female genital mutilation (FGM) experiences on pregnancy outcomes among reproductive aged women in the Gambia: a regression analysis of the 2019–2020 Gambia demographic and health survey

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains a significant threat to the health and human rights women and girls globally. It has been linked to severe health issues, substantial morbidity, a healthcare burden, and poor health indicators. This study examined the effects on Type II and III FGM/C, alongside other relevant factors, on pregnancy outcomes among reproductive aged women in The Gambia. This study used the 2019–20 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey. This study focused on 4490 reproductive aged women who have undergone any form of circumcision. A binary logistic regression was used to examine the effect of Type II and III FGM/C, along with other socio-demographic, risk and household factors on pregnancy outcomes among women in The Gambia. Overall, 16.6% of women reported experiencing Type II FGM/C, while 88.3% reported experiencing Type III FGM/C. Also, 17% of women who had undergone FGM/C experienced pregnancy loss. Women whose genital area were sewn closed were more likely (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.12–1.71) to experience pregnancy loss compared to those whose genital area were not sewn closed. Furthermore, women’s age, marital status, parity, ethnic group, and household source of drinking water were significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. This study concludes that the practice of FGM/C (Type II) have led to pregnancy loss experiences among women in The Gambia. Therefore, interventions and programs should be implemented to mitigate the negative effect of this practice on maternal health outcomes.