stillbirths

Stillbirth is the birth of a baby who shows no signs of life at or after a specified gestational age. In many countries, stillbirth is defined as fetal death at 20 weeks of gestation or later (or a birthweight threshold, commonly around 350–500 grams). Definitions vary by jurisdiction, with some using 24 or 28 weeks. Stillbirth is distinct from a miscarriage, which occurs earlier in pregnancy.

Causes and risk factors are often multifactorial. Common contributors include placental problems (such as placental insufficiency or abruption), fetal anomalies, infections during pregnancy, and maternal medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease). Other factors associated with higher risk include obesity, advanced maternal age, smoking, alcohol or illicit drug use, multiple gestations, previous stillbirth, and certain autoimmune or thrombophilic conditions. In many cases, the exact cause remains unidentified; postmortem examination and placental testing can be used to explore possible reasons.

Diagnosis and management typically involve confirmation by ultrasound showing no fetal heartbeat, followed by delivery of the baby. After a stillbirth, induction of labor is common. Care includes physical and emotional support for the parents, discussion of potential causes, and consideration of autopsy or placental examination. Counseling and bereavement resources are integral, and planning for future pregnancies may be discussed.

Prevention and risk reduction focus on comprehensive prenatal care and management of maternal health conditions, avoidance of tobacco and other harmful exposures, and monitoring for fetal growth problems or placental dysfunction. Globally, stillbirths remain a major health issue, with rates and causes varying by region.