Causes of stillbirth in a community survey in Gombe State

Background: Perinatal mortality rate is very high in North Eastern Nigeria mainly due to a large number of still births. The causes and factors related need to be identified so as to proffer solutions with a view to improving obstetric practice and perinatal survival. Objectives: To identify the causes and factors related to stillbirths in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe state. Methodology: A prospective study that was both hospital and community based, in which parturients were recruited in their last trimester and followed up till delivery. The fetal outcome was recorded and still birth rate calculated. Results: Five hundred and two parturient mothers were recruited. They delivered a total of 520 babies, amongst whom were eighteen sets of twins; five hundred of these were live births. There were 20 still births, giving a stillbirth rate of 38.5/1000. Causes of stillbirth include unbooked and early pregnanacies as well as deliveries unattended to by trained health personnel. Conclusion: Lack of antenatal Care, home delivery and teenage pregnancy were important factors contributing to high still birth rate in Dukku LGA of Gombe State.