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.
ABSTRACT
Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, henceforth being a major concern for the obstetricians and paediatricians as well being a major health care issue. Preventing and treating the associated risk factors could play a major role in curbing the perinatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: A total 100 women with preterm labour or an indicated preterm termination of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. They were evaluated by history taking, clinical examination, and ultrasonography. Corticosteroids were given to all the patients. Maternal risk factors, obstetric outcome and perinatal outcome till discharge were studied.Results: Of the 100 women studied, mean age of the cases was 27 years, 60% of the cases belonged to lower socio-economic class, 74% of the cases were under 55 kgs weight group and 77% of cases were anaemic. 34% cases were below 34 weeks of gestation, 58% were multigravida, and 2% grand multipara with 35% labour being induced labour because of presence of various risk factors such as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and chorioamnionitis. 6% cases had multiple pregnancies and 8% had history of preterm delivery in previous pregnancy. Out of 107 babies, 73% neonates required neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and there was 12.14% neonatal mortality rate.Conclusions: Anaemia, malnutrition, infection, high order pregnancy are the preventable causes of preterm birth which can be prevented, screened and treated by specialised antenatal programs.