Time and cause of stillbirth
The estimated median gestational age of stillbirth was 34 weeks (range
20 to 43 weeks, IQR 9), with 80% occurring in the third trimester
(n=114/142). The majority (62%, n=88/142) of stillbirths were preterm
(<37 completed week gestation), 16% were <28 weeks
completed gestation and 4% were >41 completed weeks
gestation.
Of the 198 stillbirths with a recorded cause of death, 170 occurred
antenatally (86%) and 28 (14%) were intrapartum (Table 2). 42% of
stillbirths were macerated and 31% were fresh, however appearance of
the fetus at delivery was not documented in 26% of cases. Table 3.
demonstrates the primary cause of death associated with maternal
conditions, such as maternal complications of pregnancy, labour and
delivery. There were 12 cases (6%) of congenital malformations, with
the majority being hydrocephalus and one fetus showing signs of Trisomy
21.