Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy Wastage Among Women in India

Abstract

The prevalence and underlying socio-economic characteristics of abortions and still births- two adverse forms of pregnancy outcome are not well documented. Despite global commitments to improve maternal and child survival, there exists paucity of regular scientific estimates related to pregnancy wastage, particularly in developing countries. Pregnancy wastage comprises of all pregnancy outcomes other than a live birth which includes abortions and still births. This study attempts to estimate the prevalence of pregnancy wastage among married woman in India using the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) Data. In addition, the study examines the effects of social-economic and demographic characteristics of woman on the likelihood of their pregnancy resulting into wastage. Results from logistic regression analysis suggest that these forms of fetal loss are affected not only by biological factors but also by mother’s demographic, social and economic characteristics.