High-risk pregnancies in urban and rural communities in central part of Ethiopia.

A survey was conducted in 13 urban kebeles and 13 rural villages to assess the magnitude of high risk pregnancies. A total of 567 pregnant women were included in the study. Of these, 28.6% were younger than 20 or older than 34 years. Early marriage below the age of 20 were reported by 85%. 21.7% and 22.2% were nulliparous and multiparous women, respectively. 39.2% were illiterate and 42.9% with a very low income. 14.6% gave a history of abortion, 13.1% of infant deaths, 6.3% of postpartum haemorrhage and 1.1% of antepartum haemorrhage. Abnormal height was recorded in 18.5%, Albuminuria in 11.5% and abnormal diastolic blood pressure in 12.2%, where 2.9% and 9.2% were classified as pre-eclamptic and gestational hypertensive. 52.3% were not receiving antenatal care services. Those who had at least one of the risk factors were 85%. The results from this study indicate the need for increased Family Planning services and appropriate training, and use of community health workers.