This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
On average, over 2.6 million stillbirths occur globally each year, with the majority happening in sub-Saharan Africa. This devastating loss of life is often shrouded in stigma and myths, leaving families to grapple with the aftermath.
The World Health Organization defines stillbirth as a fetal death after 28 weeks of pregnancy, distinguishing it from miscarriage, which occurs before viability. Most stillbirths occur before labor, while a smaller proportion happens during labor or just before delivery.
Investigating the causes of stillbirth is crucial, often involving an autopsy to identify the reason behind the baby's death. However, in some cases, the cause remains unknown despite thorough investigations. Risk factors contributing to stillbirth include fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, maternal age, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug abuse during pregnancy.
Other potential causes include sexually transmitted diseases, viruses like rubella, pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and hypertension, as well as abdominal trauma and prolonged gestation. If a baby dies in the womb, doctors will discuss delivery options with the parents, including induction of labor or waiting for labor to start naturally.
Parents who have experienced a stillbirth should be counseled before making any decisions, and subsequent pregnancies should be closely monitored to prevent another stillbirth. Allowing for investigations, including an autopsy, is essential in counseling and helping the family cope with their loss.
Stillbirth can have a profound impact on the mother's health and well-being, potentially leading to postpartum depression, social economic problems, stigma, and even marriage break-ups. It is essential for expectant mothers to receive proper access to quality antenatal care and be aware of their fetal movements, discussing any concerns with their doctors.
Knowledge about stillbirth can inform recommendations, policies, and services to prevent future cases. Autopsies and other tests can help identify potential problems, allowing for early delivery to save the child's life. Support groups, like Still-a-Mum, can work with healthcare providers to help families cope with their losses and provide evidence-based clinical care guidelines.
