Pattern and Associated Factors of Congenital Anomalies in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Review in a Low-Consanguinity Population with Fetal Outcomes

Background: Congenital anomalies are important contributors to fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding their patterns, associated maternal characteristics and fetal outcomes is essential for improving antenatal screening and perinatal care. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ad-din Hospital, Kushtia, from July 2025 to June 2026. Congenital anomalies were identified either through ultrasonography during pregnancy, at birth, or by a paediatrician following delivery. A total of 50 cases of congenital anomalies were selected through purposive sampling from hospital records. Data on maternal characteristics, obstetric history, congenital anomaly types and fetal outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 5,930 deliveries, 50 congenital anomaly cases were identified. Most mothers were aged 30–34 years (26.0%), and 60.0% had no antenatal visits. Consanguinity was present in only 6.0%. CNS anomalies predominated, with anencephaly being the most common defect (18.0%), followed by cleft lip with or without cleft palate (12.0%). Live births accounted for 48.0%, while stillbirth occurred in 20.0% and medically indicated termination in 12.0%. Antenatal visits were significantly associated with anomaly patterns (p=0.029) and fetal outcomes (p<0.001), as were maternal age (p=0.038) and sex of baby (p=0.047) with fetal outcomes. Conclusion: Central nervous system anomalies were prominent and unfavorable fetal outcomes were common among the reviewed cases. Improved antenatal attendance, early prenatal screening and appropriate counselling may help strengthen care for affected pregnancies.