aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

The majority of intrauterine deaths are of unknown aetiology. Others can be considered in terms of maternal factors, complications of pregnancy, and fetal factors. Maternal factors include:

  • diabetes mellitus
  • hypertension - pregnancy induced or preexisting
  • renal disease

Complications of pregnancy include:

  • abruption
  • postmaturity

Fetal factors include:

  • genetic disease and malformation - this encompasses a massive spectrum
  • haemolytic disease causing hydrops
  • infection