Female genital cutting and pregnancy outcome at Dodoma regional hospital

Background: Female genital cutting (FGC) is reported to be associated with obstetric complications during childbirth. In Tanzania however, little is known about the effects of FGC on childbirth. Objectives: To describe types of FGC in parturient admitted in the labour ward and compare maternal and foetal outcomes between women with and without FGC. Methodology: An unmatched prospective case-control study was conducted at the Dodoma Regional Hospital. Two hundred and twelve women with FGC and two hundred and thirteen without FGC were enrolled. A checklist was used as a tool for data collection. Parturients were examined for the presence of FGC. The nurses working in the labour ward identified obstetric complications. Foetal outcome was based on the Apgar score at five minutes. Data were entered and analysed using EP1-INFO 6 Computer Programme. The risk ratios and p - values were computed. Results: Women with FGC had increased risk of perineal tears, episiotomies and newborns with low Apgar scores. The observed difference was statistically significant between women with and without FGC. The results indicated that FGC was not related to prolonged second stage of labour, obstructed labour and postpartum haemorrhage. Conclusion: Types I and II FGC are not associated with serious obstetric complications and poor foetal outcome, as it has been previously reported. Rather, it is associated with minor degrees of perineal tears, birth asphyxia and high episiotomy rate.