Epidemiology of Intrauterine Fetal Deaths: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine fetal death is a very tragic event for the parents and a great challenge to the obstetrician. It contributes to perinatal mortality and detail analysis of it may help to reduce the still birth rate in India. The aims and objectives of the study is to find out the prevalence, socio-demography, maternal risk factor and fetal characteristics of intrauterine fetal demise cases. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study carried out in Institute of Medical Science and SUM Hospital Bhubaneswar from October 2014 to April 2015. Ante partum events leading to fetal demise were recorded, socio-demographic and clinical characters were noted and analysed. Results: There were 2899 deliveries and 90 fetal deaths in this period. The incidence of IUFD was 31.04/1000 live births in our study. Conclusion: Pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia; abruption of placenta, congenital malformation of the fetus is the main cause of fetal demise. All the main causes of fetal death observed here is preventable. Proper preconceptional counselling, antenatal care is mandatory to reduce the still birth rate by 2030.