TITLE:
Maternal and Fetal Characteristics of Stillbirths among Deliveries at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
AUTHORS:
Nomagugu Sibanda, Victor Daka, Ruth Lindizyani Mfune, Imukusi Mutanekelwa, Clyde Moono Hakayuwa, Steward Mudenda, Sebastian Chinkoyo, Jonathan Gwasupika, Mabvuto Zulu
KEYWORDS:
Stillbirth, Macerated Stillbirth, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Antenatal Care, Risk Factors, Zambia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Stillbirths remain a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality globally, with the burden disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, including Zambia. Despite interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health, adverse birth outcomes remain a significant challenge. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of stillbirths at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH), a major referral centre in Northern Zambia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using delivery records from January 2019 to December 2021 at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Zambia. The study included women who delivered stillbirths between 28 - 41 weeks of gestation. Data were extracted from clinical records and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 21,883 deliveries during the study period, 770 stillbirths were recorded, yielding a prevalence of 3.5%. Macerated stillbirths accounted for 71%, while fresh stillbirths made up 29%. Conclusion: The prevalence of stillbirths at NTH was high, with macerated stillbirths comprising the majority. Strengthening antenatal care services, ensuring access to obstetric ultrasound, and improving intrapartum care may help reduce the burden of stillbirths. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying causes of macerated stillbirths in this setting.