Weight-specific stillbirths and associated causes of death: an analysis of 765 stillbirths.

An analysis of 765 consecutive stillbirths associated with 98,927 pregnancies during a 6-year interval showed significant differences for cause of death at specific weight categories. In addition, 57% of stillbirths occurred at infant weights of greater than or equal to 1500 gm. Hypoxia accounted for 43% of all stillbirths. The implications with respect to preventability and for changes in routine prenatal care through the incorporation of the several methods of fetal assessment currently available are discussed.