Before we begin: A stillbirth is when a mother’s baby dies in the womb after the 20th week of pregnancy. Read more on how to cope or support your loved one.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about stillbirth. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a stillbirth? If you lose a fetus at or after the 20th week of pregnancy, it’s called a stillbirth. A stillbirth can occur before or during delivery and may be considered as:
Early. The loss of a fetus between 20 and 27 weeks of pregnancy.
Late. The loss of a fetus between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Term. The loss of a fetus at 37 or more weeks of pregnancy.
What are the risk factors for stillbirth? Stillbirth can happen in any pregnancy. Some factors may increase the chance that one can occur. Risk factors can include if you:
Are age 35 years or older
Are of low socioeconomic status
Smoke during pregnancy
Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Are a non-Hispanic Black woman
Previously had a stillbirth
Are pregnant with more than one baby (twins or triplets)
What are the possible causes of stillbirth? In many cases, the cause remains unknown. Some causes may be preventable, but most are not.
Causes for a stillbirth may include:
Problems with the placenta, the organ that carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
Genetic problems with the fetus
Fetal infections
Other physical problems in the fetus
Problems with the umbilical cord during labor and delivery
How is a stillbirth diagnosed? Before delivery, the only way to diagnose a stillbirth is to check if the fetus’s heart is beating. Your health care provider may use an ultrasound to look for the fetal heartbeat.
During your pregnancy, your provider may recommend keeping track of fetal movements. However, if you don’t notice movement, it doesn’t always mean a stillbirth occurred. Sometimes, especially if it’s your first pregnancy, it might be difficult to notice movement. If you’re pregnant and something seems unusual or is worrying you, talk to your provider.
After labor and delivery, your provider will check the baby for signs of life. These can include breathing, heartbeat, voluntary movements, and pulsations in the umbilical cord. If one or more signs of life are not present, then life-saving measures are taken. If these measures are unsuccessful, a stillbirth may be diagnosed.
How do health care providers manage a stillbirth? Care after a stillbirth depends on when it occurs. If it happens before delivery, your provider may induce (start) labor or use surgery to deliver the fetus (cesarean delivery). If it happens during labor and delivery, the placenta will still need to be removed or delivered.
No matter when it occurs, losing a pregnancy can be difficult. Counseling may help you cope with your grief. Later, if you decide to try to get pregnant again, work closely with your provider to understand any risks. Many women who have a stillbirth go on to have healthy babies.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Related topics: Pregnancy Loss.
Categories: Women, Pregnancy and Reproduction, Female Reproductive System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Key Takeaways
Understanding stillbirth is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.