Results will inform future research efforts to develop preventive strategies for late-term stillbirth

First Candle today announced its endorsement of a groundbreaking research study designed to identify risk factors for stillbirth. The Study of Trends and Associated Risk Factors for Stillbirth (STARS) study will confidentially collect information from mothers who have experienced a stillbirth, as well as mothers who have delivered living children, to identify differences in their prenatal experiences and observations. The goal of STARS will be to provide information that will direct future stillbirth research to develop preventive strategies.

Stillbirth claims the lives of nearly 26,000 babies in the United States each year. Worldwide, that statistic is 2.6 million. Approximately half of these deaths are after 28 weeks gestation (late-term stillbirth), devastating families and leaving them with more questions than answers. Sadly, stillbirth rates have not decreased much in recent years and very little research is being done to understand the risk factors.

The STARS study will be recruiting mothers of infants stillborn, live-born or soon-to-be-born, to take a confidential survey. While acknowledging the pain of any pregnancy loss, this study will focus on late-term stillbirth (greater than 28 weeks gestation). The study is looking for participants who:

• have experienced a stillbirth
• are at least 28 weeks pregnant now
• have delivered a baby in the last three weeks

Participate in the study now!

In addition to endorsing the STARS study, First Candle is recruiting supporters and participants for ASAP (Action for Stillbirth Awareness and Prevention), a coalition being developed to bring together individuals, medical professionals, associations and others interested in stillbirth to support the creation of a unified, focused national public awareness and education campaign.

Anyone who is interested in joining or supporting this effort, please register and answer a few short questions.

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First Candle is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to safe pregnancies and the survival of babies during the first years of life. With programs of research, education and advocacy, we are working to prevent stillbirth, SIDS and other causes of sudden infant death (SUID). At the same time, we provide compassionate grief support to all those affected by the death of a baby through a dedicated crisis hotline at 800.221.7437. For more information, visit www.firstcandle.org or call 410.653.8226.

The Star Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Eden Prairie, MN, dedicated to stillbirth research, education and prevention. University of Michigan # HUM63655.