The current epidemiologic literature has identified potential maternal risk factors and the later development of NEC in their offspring; however, these risk factors are not consistent across studies. Risk factors that may be important by reducing overall fetal mesenteric blood flow include preeclampsia/toxemia, maternal hemorrhage, and placental abruption.In the literature there is an emerging hypothesis of altered gastrointestinal susceptibility resulting from inflammatory stimuli and its associated modulation by maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. Maternal and fetal cytokine mediators have been detected in the amniotic fluid and fetal plasma in pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis, preterm labor, and prolonged premature rupture of membranes. Cytokine mediators released during the fetal inflammatory response may be responsible for initiating preterm deliveryand for subsequent neonatal morbidity, including NEC.Supporting evidence for the role of maternal/fetal inflammation and the development of NEC include the findings of increased NEC with duration of ruptured membranes and maternal chorioamnionitis.The role of antenatal glucocorticoids in the risk of NEC remains unclear. A study has shown an increased risk for development of NEC after receipt of antenatal corticosteroids51; however, a larger number of studies have shown a reduced risk.
family planning practice and prevalence of short birth spacing
Family planning allows couples to determine and ascertain the desired number of children as well as the spacing of their births. Short birth spacing has negative effects on mothers, children as well as the family. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of family planning practice and short birth spacing among married couples residing suburban area and to determine their knowledge and attitude levels towards family planning practice. A cross sectional study was conducted involving 86 married couples. A systematic random sampling was applied and consented respondents were interviewed using a validated questionnaire. In the study, short birth spacing was defined as any birth-to-pregnancy interval which was less than 24 months.
