Abstract 2: A Retrospective Study of Obstetric Causes and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Intrauterine Fetal Death in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract Background: Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) is a traumatic event for the mother and her family, and also distressing for the treating obstetrician. Understanding the obstetric and sociodemographic factors contributing to IUFD is essential for developing targeted interventions, improving perinatal care, and reducing such outcomes. Aim: To identify these factors and find out the potentially preventable causes. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir—a tertiary care center—over one year (March 2021 to February 2022). Included were singleton IUFD cases at >28 weeks gestation, confirmed by ultrasound or clinical absence of fetal heart sounds. Results: The stillbirth rate was 19.6 per 1,000 births. Most cases (67.1%) were among women aged 21–30 years, with 58.9% being unbooked. A large proportion (74.7%) belonged to the lower middle class. IUFD occurred most commonly between 28–32 weeks (39%) and 33–37 weeks (33.6%). Maternal hypertensive disorders were the leading cause (33.6%), including pre-eclampsia (27.4%) and eclampsia (6.2%). Other causes included placental abruption (11.7%), gestational diabetes (6.2%), severe anemia (3.4%), congenital anomalies (2.7%), and fetal infections (2%). Conclusion: Reducing stillbirth rates requires routine antenatal care, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and better access to emergency obstetric services. Promoting institutional deliveries and training community birth attendants are crucial. Additionally, counselling, evaluation for future pregnancies, and bereavement support should be integral parts of perinatal care.