[Researchers show growing interest in antenatal mortality. Increased understanding of intrauterine fetal death may reduce the number of cases in the long run].

The incidence of intrauterine fetal death (from the 28th gestational week) is reported to be 3.6/1000 births in Sweden. Continuous improvements in perinatal care have resulted in a dramatic decrease in early neonatal mortality during the last few decades, but no comparable reduction of antenatal mortality has been observed. A better knowledge of the etiology of stillbirth is imperative to achieve a further decrease in the perinatal mortality rate. Advanced maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, maternal overweight/obesity and low socioeconomic class has been demonstrated to increase the risk for stillbirth. Several studies have been published concerning specific causes of intrauterine fetal death. Abruption of the placenta, some infectious disorders, fetal chromosomal aberration/malformation and maternal disease such as diabetes are some of the conditions that are associated to stillbirth. In order to arrive at a potential cause, a number of investigations have been recommended in the diagnostic evaluation of IUFD.