Term stillbirth: causes and potential for prevention in Virginia

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Term fetal deaths represent a significant adverse pregnancy outcome.
• Understanding preventability factors is crucial for improving perinatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review term fetal deaths in Virginia in 1983.
• To determine the proportion of these deaths that were potentially preventable.
• To identify leading causes and contributing factors of preventable fetal deaths.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 108 term fetal deaths in Virginia in 1983.
• Assessment of each case for potential preventability.
• Categorization of preventable deaths by antepartum and intrapartum causes.

Main Results:

• 52 (48%) of 108 term fetal deaths were deemed preventable.
• Leading causes of preventable antepartum death included maternal hypertension, diabetes, inadequate fetal surveillance, and postterm pregnancy.
• Major cause of intrapartum fetal death was delayed delivery following fetal compromise.
• Preventable stillbirth incidence inversely correlated with hospital size.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of term fetal deaths are preventable.
• Addressing maternal health conditions and ensuring timely delivery are critical.
• Hospital size may influence the occurrence of preventable stillbirths.