title: Analytical study of intrauterine fetal death cases and associated maternal conditions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intrauterine fetal death is an important indicator of maternal and perinatal health of a given population. This study was undertaken to study the maternal and fetal factors associated with intrauterine fetal death.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective single center study. The details were entered in a preformed proforma. The details of complaints at admission, obstetrics history, menstrual history, examination findings, per vaginal examination findings, mode of delivery and fetal outcomes, placental examination, condition of cord and investigation reports were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 250 intrauterine fetal deaths were reported amongst 6942 deliveries conducted during the study period. The incidence rate of intrauterine fetal death was 36/1000 live births. Two hundred and twenty-two deliveries were unbooked and unsupervised. The other observations were rural population (58%), low socioeconomic group (71.2%), previous stillbirth (9.2%), gestational hypertension (32.8%), anemia (74.4%), antepartum hemorrhage (18.8%), and congenital malformations (CMFs) (8.8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of intrauterine fetal deaths in our population is higher than that reported from developed countries. This is associated with anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, and higher incidence of undiagnosed CMFs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Ram Nagar, Banur, Patiala, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Susmita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Ram Nagar, Banur, Patiala, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Harpreet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sidhu
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Ram Nagar, Banur, Patiala, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Sukhbir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaur
keywords: Gestational hypertension; intrauterine fetal death; maternal conditions