The pattern of stillbirth in a secondary and a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Stillbirths contribute a remarkable proportion to perinatal mortality in developing countries. Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) is still very high in these countries, ranging from 60 to 120 per 1000 total births, compared with 10 to 20 per 1000 total births in Europe. A descriptive review epidemiological study was carried out over a 3 year period, 1978-1980 inclusive, in two major hospitals in Ibadan city, capital of Oyo State in the South Western part of Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. The study revealed an overall prevalence rate of stillbirths of 63/1000 total births. Fresh stillbirths with no visible congenital malformations predominate. Some of the risk factors observed from this study to be associated with stillbirths in Nigeria include teenage and advanced maternal age (< or = 19 years and > or = 35 years), high party and past history of spontaneous abortions. As preventive measures, efforts should be made to improve antenatal and obstetric services. The data collected serves as a baseline for further research on this topic.