A study on profile of stillbirths

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Stillbirth remains a significant global health challenge.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for stillbirth prevention strategies.
• Antenatal care plays a vital role in monitoring fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and identify the leading causes of stillbirth.
• To analyze adverse fetal conditions and birth weights in stillbirth cases.
• To assess the correlation between antenatal care and stillbirth outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective record analysis of stillbirth cases over a one-year period.
• Data collection included fetal conditions, birth weight, and maternal antenatal care history.
• Statistical calculation of stillbirth rate per 1000 live births.

Main Results:

• A stillbirth rate of 38.4 per 1000 live births was recorded.
• Intra-uterine growth retardation (45.4%) was the most frequent cause.
• Other significant factors included intra-uterine hypoxia (18.4%) and malpresentation (11.9%).
• 53.1% of stillbirths had birth weights below 2000g.
• 78.5% of mothers had not received antenatal care.

Conclusions:

• Stillbirths in this cohort were strongly associated with intra-uterine growth retardation and lack of antenatal care.
• Improved access to and utilization of antenatal care services is essential for stillbirth reduction.
• Targeted interventions for high-risk pregnancies, including those with growth-restricted fetuses, are recommended.