Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Intrauterine Foetal Death: A Retrospective Observational Study from Odisha, India
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Intrauterine Foetal Death (IUFD) remains an important obstetric problem in developing countries. High-risk pregnancies are commonly referred to tertiary care hospitals, where facility-based research is needed to describe the true clinical burden of IUFD. Aim: To describe the obstetric profile, associated maternal and foetal clinical factors, and outcomes of women managed for IUFD. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of women with a confirmed diagnosis of IUFD managed over a six-month period (July-December 2025) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DH Jharsuguda, Odisha, India. As no comparison group of live births was available, data were summarised descriptively as frequencies, percentages, and mean±standard deviation, no inferential statistical testing was performed. Results: Fifty-three women with IUFD were identified among 1,822 total deliveries, giving an institutional prevalence of 29.1 per 1,000 deliveries (56 foetuses, including 3 twin pregnancies). Mean maternal age was 25.5±4.3 years; 32 (60.4%) were multigravida and 11 (20.8%) had a previous caesarean section. The most common associated maternal conditions were hypertensive disorders (19, 35.8%), anaemia (12, 22.6%), and placental abruption (11, 20.8%); no maternal cause was documented in 13 (24.5%). Mean hospital stay was 5.8±2.7 days; 47 (88.7%) had a routine discharge and 5 (9.4%) left against medical advice. No maternal deaths were recorded. Conclusion: IUFD accounted for an institutional prevalence of 29.1 per 1,000 deliveries over the study period. Hypertensive disorders, anaemia, and placental abruption were the most common associated clinical conditions among women with IUFD.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $275
OpenAlex ID: W7223384605