Stillbirth
A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the last half of pregnancy.
See also: Miscarriage
Information
Stillbirth is becoming less common as care for pregnancy improves. If you have a stillbirth, your health care provider may ask to carefully examine and test the fetus to determine the cause of stillbirth. This may help plan medical care for any future pregnancies. A full autopsy will be offered. You may decline this option if you wish.
Stillbirth can be caused by:
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Birth defects
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Chromosome abnormalities
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Infection, in the mother or the fetus
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Injuries
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Medical conditions of the mother, such as diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure
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Sudden severe blood loss (hemorrhage) in the mother or fetus
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Stopping of the heartbeat (cardiac arrest) in the mother or fetus
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Umbilical cord problems
In about 15 - 35% of stillbirths, no explanation can be found.
Stillbirth is traumatic for the mother and her family. It can cause grief
and lead to an increased risk for postpartum depression
.
References
Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al. Diseases and injuries of the fetus and newborn. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010: chap 29.
Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Churchill Livingstone; 2007.
Dudley DJ, Goldenberg R, Conway D, Siler RM, Saade GR, Varner MW, et al. A new system for determining the causes of stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;116:254-260.
Updated: 5/31/2011
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, WA; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.