Outcomes of Primigravida with Engaged versus Unengaged Fetal Head at Term: Outcomes of the Primigravida with Fetal Head at Term

Karishma Anjum Babar; Naila Bukhari; Saba Anjum Babar; Faryal Shah Pervez; . Azra; Seemab Aamir

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i9.3424

Authors

Karishma Anjum Babar Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Naila Bukhari Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Saba Anjum Babar Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Faryal Shah Pervez Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
. Azra Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Seemab Aamir Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Surgery, Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i9.3424

Keywords:

Fetal Head Engagement, Primigravida, Engaged Fetal Head, Unengaged, Term, Mode of Delivery

Abstract

Engagement of the fetal head within the pelvis is an important clinical indicator during pregnancy. Such evaluation guides obstetric decision-making and optimizes maternal and neonatal care. Objectives: To compare the frequency of outcomes in primigravida women with engaged and unengaged fetal heads at term. Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2025 to June 2025. A total of 126 primigravida women were recruited. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, and relative risk (RR) was calculated for both groups. Results: Among the 126 participants, the mean maternal age was 28.71 ± 6.80 years (range: 18–42 years). The mean birth weight in the engaged group was 3.07 kg. A significant association was observed between fetal head engagement and delivery mode. The unengaged group showed a markedly higher cesarean section rate (63%) compared with the engaged group (21%), with a relative risk of 2.93. Conclusions: Primigravida women with unengaged fetal heads at term had a significantly greater likelihood of cesarean delivery compared with those with engaged heads.

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