Frequency of Stillbirth Among Women with Regular and Irregular Antenatal Visits Presenting in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of stillbirth among women with regular and irregular antenatal visits presenting in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over a period of six months from 8 October 2021 to 8 April 2022.

Methods: A total of 160 pregnant women aged 18–35 years presenting in the third trimester were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding age, body mass index, parity, residence, occupation, socioeconomic status, education, antenatal visit status, and pregnancy outcome were recorded on a structured proforma. Participants were categorized into regular and irregular antenatal visit groups.

Results: The mean maternal age was 28.0 ± 5.03 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.0 ± 2.59 kg/m². Of the 160 participants, 72 (45.0%) had regular antenatal visits and 88 (55.0%) had irregular antenatal visits. The
overall frequency of stillbirth was 13 (8.1%). Stillbirth occurred in 3 (4.2%) women with regular antenatal visits and in 10 (11.4%) women with irregular antenatal visits. Although stillbirth was more frequent among women with
irregular antenatal attendance, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.097).

Conclusion: Stillbirth was more frequent among women with irregular antenatal visits than among those with regular antenatal visits, although the observed difference was not statistically significant. Regular and timely
antenatal follow-up during the third trimester may still have important clinical value in reducing preventable fetal loss.