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Stillbirth is the death of an unborn baby that has been in the mother’s womb for more than 20 weeks. More than 25,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year.

• Almost 50 percent of these deaths occur at or near full term and often seem to be otherwise healthy babies. The majority of stillbirths (85%) occur before delivery with 15% occurring during labor and delivery.
• It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of all stillbirth deaths remain unexplained. Researchers feel that this is more likely due to a failure to investigate the deaths, rather than a medical mystery.
• Stillbirth deaths cut across all socio-economic classes, races, religions and maternal age groups. No woman is immune.
• Some of the more common diagnosable causes for stillbirth are: placental abruption and other placental problems, cord accidents, birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities, uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and infections.
• The risk factors for stillbirth include: advanced maternal age, prior stillbirth, obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and previous fetal or neonatal death.
• After a stillbirth, few hospitals offer an autopsy, placental exam or clinical testing to the parents to determine the cause of death. Ensuring that these procedures are performed on every stillborn baby is critical if we are to develop preventive strategies for future babies.
• Mothers who suffer a stillbirth do not receive recognition in 25 out of 50 states. There is no certificate of birth – making these births “invisible.”

While studies into potential prevention strategies for stillbirth are ongoing, following are some helpful strategies for pregnant women to follow to help reduce the risk of stillbirth:

• Perform a kick count every day beginning with week 28, earlier for high-risk pregnancies. To learn how, visit Kicks  Count!
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs (unless prescribed by your doctor.)
• Report any vaginal bleeding, leakage or sharp pain.
• If you are post-term, discuss options with your doctor. Pregnancies longer than 42 weeks may be at increased risk for stillbirth.
• Do not hesitate to request a second or third opinion anytime during your pregnancy if needed to put your mind at ease.

This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice.

Last Updated: Apr 14, 2010