Abstract:
Background: Death of a baby in-utero is a very devastating event to the mother and the family. Most
stillbirths occur during labor and birth with other deaths occurring during the antenatal period. Millions
of families experience stillbirths, yet these deaths remain uncounted, and policies have not been clearly
stipulated to address this issue. The aim of the study was to identify the possible causes of stillbirths as
recorded in the medical records.
Methods: A retrospective study looking at medical records of women who experienced stillbirths
between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2013 at Nyeri Provincial General Hospital, Kenya. The
hospital records containing cases of stillbirths were retrieved and data abstraction forms were used to
collect data and information.
Results: Both fresh and macerated stillbirths were equally common. The stillbirth rate was
12.2 per 1,000 births. There was signifi cant association between stillbirths and the clients who were
referred and reason for referral, (p=0.029) and (p=0.005), respectively. The number of ANC visits during
pregnancy was also signifi cant (p=0.05). Mode of delivery and the reason for cesarean section were
signifi cantly associated with stillbirths, (p=0.003) and (p=0.032), respectively. The type of labor and delivery
complications experienced was associated with stillbirths (p= 0.022).
Conclusion and Global Health Implications: There were several factors associated with stillbirths
thus efforts should be made to establish approaches aimed at prevention. Addressing the causes of
stillbirths will contribute to reduction of perinatal mortality.
