Definition- Stillbirth is defined as the death of a baby in the womb at or after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The baby shows no signs of life at birth, such as breathing, heartbeat, or movement.
What Is Stillbirth?
Stillbirth is the death of a baby at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, before or during delivery. The baby shows no signs of life at birth—no heartbeat, no breathing, and no movement.
Types of Stillbirth
• Early stillbirth: Between 20 and 27 weeks
• Late stillbirth: Between 28 and 36 weeks
• Term stillbirth: At 37 weeks or later
Causes (Common but not always known)
• Placental problems: Placenta stops giving oxygen or nutrients
• Birth defects or genetic conditions
• Infections in the mother or baby
• Umbilical cord accidents (twisted, knotted, or compressed cord)
• High blood pressure or diabetes in the mother
• Poor fetal growth (baby not growing properly)
• Cholestasis of pregnancy (a liver problem)
Sometimes, no cause is found, even after testing.
How It’s Diagnosed
Doctors use an ultrasound to check for the baby’s heartbeat. If it’s not present, stillbirth is confirmed.
What Happens Next
The baby is delivered, usually by inducing labor. This can be an emotional and physical process. After birth, parents may choose to hold the baby and create memories. Tests may be done to find the cause and guide future pregnancies.
Additional Points About Stillbirth
It affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies in many countries, though rates vary based on healthcare and region.
Risk increases with age: Mothers over 35 have a slightly higher chance.
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy can increase risk.
Previous stillbirth raises the chance of another, though many go on to have healthy babies.
Monitoring fetal movements (like fewer kicks) in the third trimester can help detect problems early.
Regular prenatal care can reduce the risk by checking blood pressure, growth, and signs of infection.
In some cases, a Cesarean section (C-section) may be used, but usually, vaginal delivery is recommended unless unsafe.
Favourite part/ note/ summary- Stillbirth is the death of a baby at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, before or during delivery. If the baby has a sign of heart beat, breathing or movement the baby is alive but if it’s not there, doctors confirm it as stillbirth. It can happen on 1 in 160 pregnancy, mostly on women over the age of 35. These is how they take the baby in stillbirth, labour is usually induced with medicines (like oxytocin or prostaglandins) to start contractions, the mother goes through normal labor and delivery (similar to a live birth), pain relief (like epidural) is offered if needed, a Cesarean section (C-section) is only done if there is a medical reason (such as infection risk) previous C-section, or problems with the placenta. After the delivery is done, the parents might choose to make memories with their child. And they do tests to find out what went wrong and to prevent it from happening again.
