Characterization of failed pregnancies treated in Tunja, Colombia: retrospective observational study


Authors

  • Ledmar J. Vargas Hospital Universitario San Rafael
  • Wilson F. Rodriguez H. Universidad de Boyacá
  • Diana Carolina García Paipa Secretaría de Salud Territorial de Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6001-5720

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22517/25395203.25925

Keywords:

Pregnancy failure, Abortions, Risk factors, Perinatal death

Abstract

Introduction: A failed pregnancy, also known as a miscarriage, can occur due to various factors. It has been reported that intrauterine fetal death is often an unexplained process or may be related to intrapartum factors or complications. Worldwide, fewer than 5% of fetal deaths are recorded, with intrauterine fetal death being the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.

Objective: This research is therefore proposed to characterize failed pregnancies treated in the city of Tunja and their main related factors.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Pregnant women with failed pregnancies treated at healthcare institutions in the municipality of Tunja between January 1, 2023, and June 19, 2025, were included. Information was obtained and analyzed based on death certificates completed in RUAF-ND-v 2.0, with prior authorization for use.

Results: A total of 143 fetal losses were reported, of which 31.47% were male and 15.38% were undetermined. 88.81% were spontaneous births, and 90.91% were preterm. Risk factors found included maternal age, previous deaths, being a primiparous mother, and social factors.

Conclusions: Pregnancy failures that result in fetal death can be due to multiple factors related to the mother's health, uterine abnormalities, implantation problems, or, primarily, fetal genetic abnormalities, which the body itself is responsible for selecting for each. Therefore, it is important to conduct prenatal testing to reduce the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.

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Published

2026-05-16

How to Cite

Vargas, L. J., Rodriguez H., W. F., & García Paipa, D. C. (2026). Characterization of failed pregnancies treated in Tunja, Colombia: retrospective observational study. Revista Médica De Risaralda, 32(1), 75–83. https://doi.org/10.22517/25395203.25925

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2026): January–June 2026.

Section

Original Article

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