Risk factors for late (28+ weeks' gestation) stillbirth in the United States, 2014-2015

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Late stillbirth (≥28 weeks gestation) affects 2.72/1000 births in the US.
• Sociodemographic factors like race and maternal age influence stillbirth risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify modifiable risk factors for late stillbirth.
• Determine factors contributing significantly to the stillbirth burden in the US.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective population-based study using US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data (2014-2015).
• Analysis of over 6.7 million live births and 18,000 fetal deaths.

Main Results:

• High maternal body mass index (BMI) and infants small for gestational age were major contributors to stillbirth.
• Modifiable factors like delayed prenatal care, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking increased risk but accounted for a smaller percentage.
• Participation in the WIC program was linked to a 28% reduction in stillbirths.

Conclusions:

• High maternal BMI and fetal growth restriction are critical targets for stillbirth reduction.
• Expanding nutritional support programs can substantially decrease the stillbirth burden.
• Addressing obesity and fetal growth restriction alongside nutritional programs is key to reducing late stillbirths.