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Published on: May 5, 2018
The association between stillbirth and fetal gender
Eran Hadar1, Nir Melamed, Maya Sharon-Weiner
1Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel. dolgaldor@hotmail.com
Summary
Female fetuses are more likely to be stillborn than male fetuses. This study analyzed stillbirth cases, finding a higher rate in female fetuses, particularly due to placental insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Obstetrics
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Stillbirth represents a significant portion of perinatal mortality.
- Understanding factors influencing stillbirth risk is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fetal gender and stillbirth.
- To characterize potential differences in causes of stillbirth based on fetal sex.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of stillbirth cases (1995-2007) at a tertiary medical center.
- Review of medical charts for demographic, clinical, and etiological data.
- Definition of stillbirth: fetal death after 20 weeks gestation or >500g birth weight, excluding elective terminations.
Main Results:
- 105 stillbirths occurred among 77,120 deliveries (0.14% rate).
- Female fetuses (60.2%) were overrepresented compared to male fetuses (48.5%) (p=0.04).
- Higher rates of stillbirth due to placental insufficiency in female fetuses (OR=3.7) and placental abruption in male fetuses (OR=2.1) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Female fetuses are disproportionately represented in stillbirth cases.
- Fetal gender may be associated with specific etiological pathways leading to stillbirth, such as placental insufficiency.
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