Pattern of Obstetric Complications Among Unbooked Parturients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Unbooked parturients, defined as women who present in labour without prior antenatal registration at the delivery facility, represent a high-risk obstetric group associated with disproportionately adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Nigeria. This study examines the pattern and outcome of obstetric complications among unbooked parturients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A retrospective review of delivery records from a two-year period was conducted, identifying 180 unbooked parturients and comparing their complication rates with 180 booked controls matched for parity and gestational age. Data were extracted on mode of delivery, complications encountered, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Unbooked parturients constituted 22 percent of all deliveries in the review period. Eclampsia (18 percent), prolonged obstructed labour (24 percent), and antepartum haemorrhage (11 percent) were the dominant complications among unbooked cases. Maternal mortality was 4.4 percent in unbooked women compared to 0.6 percent in booked controls. Caesarean section rates were significantly higher in unbooked cases. The study highlights the persistent burden of unbooked deliveries at ABUTH and the consequent strain on emergency obstetric services. Recommendations target community mobilisation to increase early antenatal registration, targeted outreach to rural feeder communities, and strengthened referral pathways between primary and tertiary care in Kaduna State. Keywords: unbooked parturients, obstetric complications, ABUTH Zaria, maternal mortality, North West Nigeria