Author: John EKWEANI , Chikezie Nwachukwu OKAFO, Aliyu YAKUBU, Juliet NWADIUTO, Waleola AKINBOBOYE, Augustine OSAYANDE, Ijeoma OZURIGBO, Ogonnaya OBIRE, Fatima ANGA.

Manuscript ID: AFMJ-Aug-2025-20 Date Published: 2025-08-30 06:14:58

Background:

A study of this nature became needed because the incidence of stillbirth is of importance to public health. It aimed to determine the incidence and major causes of stillbirths at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients’ case notes from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. Percentages, averages, and charts were used to represent the findings.

Results:

The total number of stillbirths was 57 out of a total number of 8,125 births, giving an overall incidence of stillbirth is 7.0 per 1,000 births. Maternal causes were the commonest, with hypertensive disorders as the leading cause. The trend showed an overall increase in stillbirth rates from 6.6 to 8.9 per 1,000 births. The average maternal age was 31.7 ± 5.6 (years), and 94.7% were multiparae. The average maternal booking weight was 82.1 ± 22.9 (kg), 45 stillbirths were delivered vaginally (78.9%); Birthweight ranged from 1.0 to 5.4kg with a mean of 3.3 ± 0.3 (kg); Placental weights ranged from 220 – 700 grams with a mean of 387 ± 100 (grams). Macerated stillbirths formed most cases (65%). Four babies had congenital defects.

Conclusion:

A focus on maternal causes of stillbirths being the major aetiology indicates that closer monitoring of antenatal patients during their clinic visits is paramount for the early detection of risk factors to mitigate them.

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