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Stillbirth

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Stillbirth

(Fetal Death; Intrauterine Fetal Death; IUFD)

Definition

Stillbirth is the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It often happens before labor begins.

Causes

Stillbirth may be caused by:

In many cases, the cause is unknown.

Risk Factors

Stillbirth is more common for women aged 35 years and older. Other things that raise the risk are:

  • Mother has health problems, such as:
  • Infection
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy
  • Poor prenatal care
  • History of stillbirth or miscarriage
  • More than one fetus
  • First pregnancy
  • Trauma, such as a car accident

Symptoms

Symptoms are:

  • No movement by the fetus
  • Vaginal bleeding in the mother

Diagnosis

An ultrasound exam may be done. The doctor will examine the baby and look for a heartbeat.

The ultrasound may show the cause of the stillbirth. After birth, other tests may be done to understand the cause.

Abdominal Ultrasound.

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Treatment

The fetus will need to be delivered. A vaginal birth is the safest option for most. Some may need a cesarean section. The doctor will talk about options.

Labor may be started with medicine. It may be given through the vagina, as pills, or by IV. Treatment may not be needed if there are other living fetuses.

Prevention

Not all stillbirths can be prevented. The risk may be lowered by:

  • Going to all prenatal visits
  • Reaching and keeping a healthy weight
  • Taking prenatal supplements such as:
    • Folic acid
    • Iron, if needed
  • Not drinking, smoking, or using drugs during pregnancy

Therapy

Having a stillborn baby is traumatic. Parents will need time to grieve. A therapist or support group can help.

Therapy

Having a stillborn baby is traumatic. Parents will need time to grieve. A therapist or support group can help.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hammad IA, Blue NR, et al. Umbilical cord abnormalities and stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(3):644-652.
  • Pregnancy loss. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyloss/sbtryingtounderstand.html.
  • Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth.
  • Hammad IA, Blue NR, et al. Umbilical cord abnormalities and stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(3):644-652.
  • Pregnancy loss. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-complications/pregnancy-loss.
  • Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth.

Contributors

  • Mary Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.