Intrauterine Fetal Death (IUFD): A Retrospective Study Conducted in a Tertiary Care Center of Western Rajasthan, India

Background: an intrauterine fetal demise is a tragic event at any gestational age causing emotional pain and psychological distress to parents and their family. The objectives of the present study were to determine the incidence of IUFD in population and to find out possible causes of IUFD, in order to determine preventive measures. Methodology: This is a retrospective observational study done in the department of obstetrics and gynecology Dr SN medical college Jodhpur Rajasthan for the duration of 1 year. Inclusion criteria were all pregnant women with IUFD delivered at our centre at or above 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal and fetal records were analysed for studying demographic profile, parity, booked and unbooked cases, mode of delivery, possible causes of IUFD. Results: The incidence of IUFD in our study was 27 per 1000 live births. The incidence of IUFD increased with decreasing gestational age. Incidence was high in multiparous women. The major maternal cause of IUFD was preeclampsia. Conclusion: The study was conducted to determine the incidence and to find out possible causes of IUFD. Our study highlights the importance of booking and regular antinetal visits for early detection and treatment of avoidable causes of IUFD.