stillborn

Stillbirth is the birth of a baby who has no signs of life at a formal gestational age, commonly defined as 20 weeks or more. The threshold for reporting stillbirths varies by country and sometimes by birth weight. It is distinct from a miscarriage, which occurs before this gestational threshold. The term stillborn is used to describe the baby or the death itself.

Causes of stillbirth are often multifactorial. Possible categories include fetal abnormalities incompatible with life; placental problems such as abruption or insufficiency; infections; maternal conditions such as hypertension or diabetes; fetal growth restriction; complications of pregnancy in multiple gestations; and events affecting the umbilical cord. In many cases, no single cause is identified.

Diagnosis and care: A stillbirth is diagnosed when a fetus is delivered without signs of life or when prenatal testing shows no heartbeat. After a stillbirth, management focuses on delivery of the baby and on parents' emotional and physical recovery. Investigations may include fetal autopsy, placental examination, and genetic testing where appropriate. Bereavement support and counseling are typically offered.

Incidence and prevention: Stillbirth rates vary by region and gestational threshold. They are generally higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Preventive efforts emphasize access to quality prenatal care, control of chronic maternal conditions, fetal growth monitoring, and prompt management of complications during pregnancy.