Stillbirths in Bahrain: Analysis of patients admitted to a major tertiary hospital during a five-year period

Abstract

Background

Analyzing stillbirth data is critical to identifying care gaps and improving pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated stillbirths at a major tertiary hospital in Bahrain over 5 years (2018-2023).

Material and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed electronic data of women with stillbirths (≥22 weeks gestation) in a tertiary hospital in Bahrain. Data included maternal demographics, pregnancy characteristics, birth details, and fetal information (n = 263). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used.

Results

The mean maternal age was 35.8 ± 6.4 years, with 60.5% being Bahraini. The mean gestational age at stillbirth was 32.7 ± 5.8 weeks, with the highest incidence between 29 and 36 weeks. Most women had no prior miscarriages (67.1%) or stillbirths (98.1%). Intrauterine growth restriction was reported in 5.3% of cases, and only 35.4% recommended antenatal care. The majority (66.2%) had obesity, and 8.7% had gestational diabetes. Congenital anomalies were present in 10.3% of stillborn babies. Multivariable logistic regression showed no statistically significant independent associations with late gestation stillbirth; however, higher adjusted odds were observed for obesity (aOR 3.38), diabetes (aOR 2.76), and multiple gestation (aOR 2.46), while female fetal sex trended toward lower odds (aOR 0.63).

Conclusion

Obesity and diabetes were linked to later stillbirths. While umbilical cord complications are often cited, their role in this population requires further investigation. These findings identify the need for improved prenatal care, weight management, diabetes control, and umbilical cord surveillance in Bahrain to enhance maternal and fetal health.