Abstract

This study aimed to describe the complications and the frequency of complications occurring that are associated with caring for women who experience second trimester pregnancy loss. A retrospective study was undertaken in a large university hospital with approximately 8,500 deliveries per year. All cases of pregnancy loss occurring between 14+0 and 23+6 weeks’ gestation were identified from July 2009 to June 2013. Medical notes for the 181 study participants were reviewed and the number of complications experienced by these women was identified. An analysis was done to assess associations with clinical presentation and management. The mean gestation of loss was 18+2 weeks’ gestation. The majority (64.6%) of the pregnancy losses were stillbirths, with 17.7% of pregnancy losses occurring following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and 17.7% following preterm labour (PTL). All women required inpatient admission and 59.1% required medical induction of labour. Women with PPROM cases, had increased odds of requiring antibiotic therapy and readmission. These women represent a small proportion of the total number of pregnant women but they remain a distinct group whose management is complicated by high rates of complications requiring medical intervention. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of these risks.