Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Indian subcontinent carries 17 % of world's population, being the second largest populated country. The maternal mortality rate of the country is still high. The study was aimed to study factors leading to pregnancy in women with previous two living children and their knowledge about limiting family and their practice for use of contraceptives. METHODS: Questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. RESULTS: 961 pregnant women attending antenatal outpatient department were interrogated and amongst them 167 (17.3 %) multigravida with previous two healthy children were enrolled in study and were asked to document in Questionnaire. Reasons for current pregnancy were gender bias, no desire to limit family, incorrect contraceptive use, contraceptive failure, doctor's mistake and religious belief. Desire for male child emerged as most common reason (37%) followed by improper or no use of contraception. Most significant associated factor was poor education of female partner (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study evaluated the possible reasons of multiparity. We conclude that preference for male gender child is still very much prevalent in India, along with unmet need of family planning. Improving education of women might help to change attitude towards birth spacing and family size.