A Retrospective Observational Study on Intrauterine Fetal Death -Associated Socio-Demographic Factors and Obstetric Causes

Background: The death of a foetus is a traumatic experience for the parents. It's also upsetting for the obstetrician who's treating the patient. The death of a foetus creates a slew of problems and puts an obstetrician's medical practise in risk. The goal of this study was to determine the preventable causes of foetal mortality by identifying various maternal illnesses and socio-demographic characteristics linked to foetal death.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Lalla Ded Hospital, Kashmir – a tertiary care centre. Singleton intrauterine foetal deaths with either ultrasound reports establishing IUFD or clinical examination diagnosis of lack of foetal heart sound with gestational age >28 weeks were included. Molar and multiple pregnancies were excluded.

Results:

In our study, the still birth rate was 19.6 per 1000.The majority of stillbirth patients were between the ages of 21 and 30. (67.1 percent). Unbooked cases made up 58.9% of the total. 74.7 percent of the population belongs to the lower middle class. Stillbirths occurred in the range of 28-32 gestational weeks in 39% of cases, followed by 33-37 gestational weeks in 37% of instances (33.6%). Maternal hypertensive disorders (33.6%) were found to be strongly linked to IUFD, followed by placental abruption (11.7%).6.2 percent and 3.4 percent of women had gestational diabetes and severe anaemia, respectively. Gross congenital abnormalities and foetal infections each accounted for 2.7 percent and 2% of the total.

Conclusions: Routine antenatal checks with early detection of high-risk pregnancies, improved access to emergency obstetric care, particularly during labour, a focus on institutional deliveries, and community birth attendant training should all contribute to lower stillbirth rates in developing countries. It's critical to get the best possible evaluation for future pregnancies. Counseling and a support group should be a part of the process.