REVIEW OF SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND OBSTETRIC CAUSES OF STILLBIRTHS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: - Occurrence of stillbirth pose difficult situation for the obstetrician and cause great psychological and emotional trauma to the couple and the family. It reflects the suboptimum quality of maternal and child health services. Stillbirth rates are unacceptably high in developing countries .Study was carried out to find out the causes of stillbirths and the socio demographic profile of women ,who had stillbirth. Material and Methods: - A clinical observational study was undertaken at tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 10 months from January 2011 to October 2011. Results:Illiteracy, rural residence, lack of antenatal care ,low socioeconomic status were commonly associated with stillbirths. Pregnancy induced hypertension, ante partum hemorrhage ,cord related accidents and preterm labour were mainly responsible for stillbirths .Low birth weight and extreme prematurity were directly related to stillbirths. Conclusion:- High rate of ante partum stillbirths due to hypertension ,ante partum hemorrhage and preterm labour can be reduced by early recognition of the problem ,regular antenatal check ,color Doppler study to diagnose fetal growth restriction, and timely obstetric intervention .Ultrasonograpy to diagnose cord abnormalities ,use of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring, partograph and prevention of prolongation of second stage of labour will help in reduction of stillbirths.