Theme: Understanding the Burden: Trends and Determinants of Stillbirth in India: Abstract 1: Intrapartum Stillbirth, Associated Risk Factors and Delays in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: Intrapartum stillbirth accounts for approximately 1.2 million deaths globally each year, representing a substantial yet preventable burden on maternal and perinatal health. A thorough understanding of the associated risk factors is essential to guide targeted interventions and improve outcomes. Aim: To identify clinical and obstetric risk factors contributing to intrapartum stillbirths in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at S. M. G. S. Hospital, Jammu, over a 12-month period from September 2020 to August 2021. Ethical clearance was obtained from the hospital’s review board. The study population included women presenting with confirmed intrauterine fetal demise (IUD) or those experiencing stillbirth during hospitalization, with a gestational age greater than 22 weeks and birth weight exceeding 500 grams. Results: Of the 22,723 deliveries conducted during the study period, 800 resulted in stillbirths, corresponding to a stillbirth rate of 35.2 per 1,000 births. The mean maternal age was 26.57 ± 4.65 years. Primigravidas accounted for the largest proportion of stillbirths (43.13%). Prematurity emerged as the most frequent intrapartum risk factor (8.98%), followed by placental abruption (6.86%) and acute fetal distress (6.11%). Conclusion: Preterm birth, particularly when accompanied by small-for-gestational age status, was strongly associated with intrapartum stillbirth. Delayed arrival at the hospital was identified as the most significant systemic contributor to these outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen perinatal care systems, including early identification of high-risk pregnancies, timely referral, and improved access to skilled intrapartum care.