A study of out-of-wedlock pregnancies: outcome and utilization of maternal/child health services
Srinivasa, D.K.; Pankajam, R.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 18(5): 368-371
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 6110585 Document Number: 450037
Data from the records of the Jawaharlal Institute Urban Center of Pondicherry, India were used 1) to assess the extent of illegitimate births among the 7065 residents served by the Center's clinic; 2) to determine the degree to which unwed mothers utilized the services of the clinic in comparison to married mothers; and 3) to assess the rate of infant mortality among illegitimate infants; and 4) to identify the characteristics of unwed pregnant women. The clinic maintained records on all 1385 families served by the clinic, and clinic personnel lived in the community and knew the patients on a personal basis. Among the 855 pregnancies recorded for the clinic families during a 5 year period there were 48 out of wedlock pregnancies. Unmarried mothers utilized the prenatal services of the clinic less frequently than married mothers. 51% of the unwed mothers, compared to 22% of the married mothers, failed to visit the clinic even once during their pregnancy. The unwed mothers were also more likely to register their pregnancy at a later date than the married mothers. Only 44% of the unwed mothers, compared to 77% of the married mothers received prenatal tetanus toxoid immunizations. The unwed mothers did take advantage of the postnatal services of the clinic for their infants. All of the children of unwed mothers were vaccinated for small pox. 72% of the mothers brought their infant to the clinic 5 or more times. The infant mortality rate among the infants of unwed mothers was 125.0/1000 live births and 51.8/1000 live births for infants born to married mothers. Illegitimate births in the area were frequently hidden. 56.3% of the unwed mothers were 15-19 years of age and 59.0% were Hindu. 83% were illiterate and 67% were unemployed. About 50% of the unwed mothers moved in with the putative father within a year of delivery and an additional 7% of the fathers moved into the family home of the unwed mother.