Antenatal intrauterine fetal death: A prospective study in a tertiary hospital in south-western Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of antenatal intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and the associated maternal and fetal risk factors in women who presented at a regional tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Over a 5-year period, 191 consecutive cases of IUFD presented and were studied prospectively. Relevant maternal and fetal data were obtained. The stillbirth rate during the period was 10 per 1000 deliveries. In 41% of the cases, the associated causal factors could not be determined. There was a significant (P= 0.00122) linear trend showing an increased risk of IUFD above the age of 20 years and, similarly, a significant (P=0.00047) linear trend after the first pregnancy. Lack of antenatal care (88.5%), hypertensive diseases in pregnancy (12%) and diabetes mellitus (8%) were associated risk factors while 'major congenital malformation' (14%) was an outstanding fetal factor. The risk factors of antenatal stillbirth in our community seem to be avoidable. Health education to encourage the utilisation of the available antenatal care services, family planning and genetic counselling are being advocated strongly as possible preventive measures.