Factors associated with late fetal mortality

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• European perinatal mortality is declining due to reduced neonatal deaths.
• Causes of fetal mortality require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the late fetal mortality rate in Spain for 2015.
• To identify factors associated with late fetal mortality in Spain.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using 2015 Spanish National Institute of Statistics birth data.
• Included single births at 28 or more weeks of gestation (n=340,371).
• Analyzed sociodemographic, obstetrical, and neonatal variables using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The late fetal mortality rate was 2.6 per 1000 births.
• Associated factors included preterm birth (OR 13.1), low birth weight <2500g (OR 3.22), macrosomia ≥4000g (OR 3.36), low maternal education (OR 2.28), African origin, maternal age ≥35 years, primiparity, and single mothers.

Conclusions:

• Late fetal mortality in Spain has not decreased since 2010.
• Key contributors include prematurity, low birth weight, macrosomia, and sociodemographic factors.
• Enhanced prenatal care and early risk factor detection are necessary.