Stillbirth (patient information)
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Stillbirth |
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Stillbirth On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the last half of pregnancy.
What causes Stillbirth?
- Stillbirth can be caused by:
- Birth defects
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Infection, in the mother or the fetus
- Injuries
- Medical conditions of the mother, such as diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure
- Placenta problems (placental detachment or poor placental function)
- Sudden severe blood loss (hemorrhage) in the mother or fetus
- Stopping of the heartbeat (cardiac arrest) in the mother or fetus
- Umbilical cord problems
- In about 15 - 35% of stillbirths, no explanation can be found.
Diagnosis
- 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.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Stillbirth is traumatic for the mother and her family.
- It can cause grief and lead to an increased risk for postpartum depression.