Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors of antepartum fetal death

• Published in: Mymensingh medical journal : MMJ Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 322
• Main Authors: Azim, M A, Sultana, N, Chowdhury, S, Azim, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bangladesh 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Abruptio Placentae - epidemiology; Adult; Congenital Abnormalities - epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus - epidemiology; Female; Fetal Death - epidemiology; Fever - epidemiology; Gestational Age; Gravidity; Humans; Hypertension - epidemiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular - epidemiology; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - epidemiology; Pregnancy, Multiple; Prospective Studies; Rh Isoimmunization - epidemiology; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Urinary Tract Infections - epidemiology
• ISSN: 1022-4742

The objectives of this study were to assess the sociodemographic profile and to identify the risk factors of ante-partum fetal death which occurs after the age of viability of fetus. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics department of Ad-din Women Medical College Hospital during the period of June, 2009 to July, 2010. A total of 14,015 pregnant patients were admitted in the study place after the age of viability, which was taken as 28 weeks of gestation for our facilities. Eighty-three (0.59%) of them were identified as intrauterine fetal death. Assessment of maternal sociodemographic characteristics and maternal-fetal risk factors were evaluated with a semi structured questionnaire pretested. Majority (81.92%, n=68) of the patients were below 30 years of age, 78.31% belonged to middle socioeconomic group. Almost 58% women had education below SSC level and 28.91% took regular antenatal checkup. About 61.45% patients were multigravida. Most (59.04%) ante-partum deaths were identified below 32 weeks of pregnancy. Out of 83 patients, maternal risk factors were identified in 41(49.59%) cases where fetal risk factors were found in 16(19.27%) cases; no risk factors could be determined in rests. Hypertension (48.78%), diabetes (21.95%), hyperpyrexia (17.3%), abruptio placentae (4.88%) and UTI (7.36%) were identified as maternal factors; and congenital anomaly (37.5%), Rh incompatibility (37.5%), multiple pregnancy (12.5%) and post-maturity (12.5%) were the fetal risk factors. Here, proximal biological risk factors are most important in ante-partum fetal deaths. More investigations and facilities are needed to explain the causes of antepartum deaths.