Primary Article

Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Intrauterine Fetal Demise Five‐Year Experience in a Tertiary Referral Hospital*

Authors: EVERETT F. MAGANN MD, SUNEET P. CHAUHAN MD, JAMES A. BOFILL MD, DAVID WADDELL MD, ORION A. RUST MD, JOHN C. MORRISON MD

Abstract

Abstract Background. Risk factors for and management of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) have been investigated, but the maternal morbidity has not been evaluated. Methods. Over a 60‐month interval, all cases of IUFD after 20 weeks' gestation were reviewed for maternal trauma and maternal postpartum complications. Results. In this retrospective analysis, 498 singleton and 24 twin pregnancies with an IUFD were identified. A cervical or perineal laceration requiring surgical repair complicated 9.4% of pregnancies. One uterine dehiscence and one uterine rupture occurred. Endometritis, the most common postpartum complication, occurred in 63 of 522 patients (12%). One maternal death occurred. Total mean hospital stay was 4.9 ± 5.7 days. Conclusion. Maternal morbidity and rarely mortality can follow IUFD, but this morbidity is similar to that observed without IUFD.

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