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Socioeconomic deprivation as a risk factor for stillbirth: A case-control study
Jessica V Keane1, Paul Corcoran1, Sara Leitao1
1National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Midwifery
|September 21, 2025
Summary
This study found no direct link between socioeconomic deprivation and stillbirth risk. However, placental causes of stillbirth were more common in deprived areas, suggesting a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Epidemiology
- Maternal Health Research
- Stillbirth Risk Factor Analysis
Background:
- Stillbirth represents a significant adverse perinatal outcome with profound family impact.
- Identifying and mitigating risk factors for stillbirth is a critical public health priority.
- Socioeconomic deprivation is a known factor associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between socioeconomic deprivation and stillbirth risk.
- To explore the relationship between deprivation levels and specific causes of stillbirth.
- To identify confounding factors influencing stillbirth risk.
Main Methods:
- An observational case-control study matching 127 stillbirth cases with 266 live birth controls (2:1 ratio).
- Retrospective data collection from 2018-2021 at a tertiary maternity unit in Ireland.
- Utilized the Pobal HP Deprivation Index and logistic regression for statistical analysis, controlling for maternal age, parity, BMI, and booking gestation.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant correlation was found between overall deprivation level and stillbirth risk (p=0.288).
- A trend towards higher stillbirth representation in more deprived quintiles was observed, but not statistically significant.
- A significant association was identified between deprivation and placental causes of stillbirth (p=0.048).
- High BMI, late booking gestation, and advanced maternal age were associated with increased stillbirth risk.
Conclusions:
- This study did not establish a clear direct link between socioeconomic deprivation and stillbirth.
- Higher rates of placental-related stillbirth were noted in more deprived quintiles.
- Further national research is warranted to explore the complex relationship between deprivation and stillbirth, particularly placental causes.
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