One year observational study of stillbirths in a referral hospital of Saurashtra region

Abstract

Background: Stillbirths constitute a major part of perinatal death, and India ranks first in absolute number of stillbirths. The causes of stillbirth differ in different parts of the world and are affected by fetomaternal factors and type of antenatal and intrapartum care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stillbirth rate as well as the aetiology and risk factors for stillbirths in our institute.Methods: All stillbirths delivered at or above 28 weeks of gestation or weighing more than 1000 gms in P. D. U. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot during study period of 1 year were enrolled in the study. The stillbirth rate of the institute was studied. Socio-demographic, maternal and fetal factors of stillbirth cases were analysed.Results: Stillbirth rate of our institute was 41.63 per 1000 births. 70% cases belonged to rural region and 48% cases were referred to our hospital from other institutes. Stillbirth was found more in multigravida women with 67.2% cases. 57.01% stillborn babies were males, 34.71% of stillborns had extremely low birth weight and were pre-term. 54.78% stillborns were macerated. In 24.8% cases, aetiology of stillbirth was unknown. Antepartum haemorrhage contributed 19% cases, asphyxia -16.8% cases and pre-eclampsia-12.1% cases of stillbirth in our study.Conclusions: Proper screening and antenatal and intrapartum supervision and timely referral to the tertiary care centre can play an important role in decreasing the rate of stillbirths.