DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i05.034

Pages: 1859-1863

Abnormal bacterial colonization of the rectum and anus during pregnancy may create an abnormal vaginal and cervical microbial environment. Identification of the abnormal colonization of the genital tract by a culture based approach has been recommended by the CDC 2000. This aids in early recognition of colonised mothers for treatment which in turn prevents newborn infections. The present study was conducted to know the maternal vaginal flora in third trimester of pregnancy and the outcome of birth weight in neonates. The study was done in the departments of OBG and Neonatology in a tertiary care hospital on 50 mothers in 3rd trimester of pregnancy and their babies were followed up till discharge. High vaginal swabs were collected under strict aseptic conditions and organisms were isolated and identified using standard conventional bacteriological techniques. Out of 50 High vaginal swabs collected, 35 organisms were isolated and commonest was Coagulase negative Staphylococcus i.e 22 (63%). Of the 50 babies born to mothers, 30 were appropriate for gestation (AGA) and 20 were small for gestation (SGA) babies. Out of 30 AGA babies, 14 (46.6%) were born to colonized mothers and 16(53.3%) were born to non-colonised mothers. Out of 20 SGA babies, 18(90%) were born to colonized mothers, 2 (10%) were born to non-colonised mothers. A significant association was found between SGA babies and maternal colonization. To conclude maternal vaginal colonization during pregnancy has significant impact on baby’s birth weight. SGA babies were more among colonised mothers. Hence identification of vaginal colonization in pregnant mothers and appropriate antimicrobial treatment is essential to decrease the incidence of SGA babies.