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Stillbirth Q & A

A printer friendly version Stillbirth Q & A (PDF) is available to use as a handy reference or handout. 

Q: What is Stillbirth?
A: Stillbirth is the death of an infant in-utero and past 20 completed gestational weeks. The majority of these deaths occur at or near full term – they are otherwise healthy babies that die shortly before or during birth. More than 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year.

Q: What causes stillbirth?
A: Some of the most common diagnosable causes for stillbirth are placental problems, birth defects, growth restrictions and infections.  Other causes include maternal diabetes and high blood pressure, cord accidents and postdate pregnancy (longer than 42 weeks.)  It is believed that as many as two-thirds of all stillbirth deaths remain unexplained.

Q: Are stillbirths predictable?
A: Stillbirth deaths are unpredictable, and there are no identifiable risk factors. They cut across socio-economic classes, races, religions, body types and maternal age groups.  No woman is immune, although some high-risk pregnancies may include a higher risk of stillbirth.

Q: Are stillbirths preventable?
A: At this time, stillbirth cannot be predicted or prevented.  However, there are helpful strategies for pregnant women to follow to help reduce the risk of stillbirth:

• Begin to monitor your baby’s activity at around 26 weeks.  If you feel less than 8-10 kicks during a two-hour period, or if the baby is moving less than usual and you are concerned, contact your doctor immediately.
  
  
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs (unless prescribed by your doctor).
  
  
• Report any vaginal bleeding, leakage or sharp pain.
  
  
• If you are post-term, discuss options with your doctor. Pregnancies longer than 42 weeks may be at increased risk for stillbirth.
  
  
• Do not hesitate to request a second or third opinion anytime during your pregnancy if needed to put your mind at ease.

Q: Is stillbirth hereditary?
A: There is no evidence to reflect that stillbirth is hereditary.  However, because 1 in 116 babies are stillborn, women within the same extended family may experience a stillbirth. It is important to note  that these related women’s stillbirths may have no connect whatsoever.

Q: What are the chances of a woman who has had one stillbirth to have another with her subsequent pregnancies?
A: Although all pregnancies can be considered a possibility for stillbirth to occur, 98% of all pregnancies result in healthy, live babies.