Analysis of factors responsible for intrauterine fetal death in rural pregnant women at tertiary care centre of Northern India

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) is a tragic event for both the parents and obstetrician. Objectives of current study were to study the underlying etiology of Intra Uterine Fetal Death (IUFD) that can be helpful in formulating the preventive measures.Methods: This study was conducted over a period of one year from April 2016 till March 2017 at a tertiary rural care hospital. All patients with diagnosed IUFD at >24 weeks of gestation were included in the study.Results: Total eighty patients were admitted with diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death. Among these majority 58 (72.5%) were multigravida and only 22 (27.5%) were primigravida. Maximum number of patients, 61 (72.5%) were between age group of 20-30 years. Maximum number of IUFD were reported between 36-40 weeks of gestation (36.25%). Most of fetal deaths were due to preventable conditions like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (28.75%), severe anemia (15%), abruptio placenta (11.25%), and rupture uterus (10%). Out of these patients 68 (85%) delivered vaginally and 7 patients were delivered by LSCS.Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the role of health education, regular antenatal checkups, early detection of complications and hospital delivery to reduce the overall preventable IUFD.