What Is Stillbirth?

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