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:
- Problems in the fetus such as:
- Chromosomal disorders
- Poor growth
- Problems from having more than one fetus
- Health conditions in the mother
- Rh incompatibility
-
Umbilical cord problems, such as:
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- A loop or knot in the cord
- Problems with the placenta, such as:
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:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- High blood pressure
- Diseases of the thyroid , kidney, or heart
- Blood clotting disorder
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- 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
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 |
![]() |
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
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.
Therapy
Having a stillborn baby is traumatic. Parents will need time to grieve. A therapist or support group can help.
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
RESOURCES
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org
American Pregnancy Association http://www.americanpregnancy.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
Women’s Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
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. Accessed February 19, 2021.
Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth. Accessed February 19, 2021.
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. Accessed February 19, 2021.
Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth. Accessed February 19, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Mary Beth Seymour, RN
- Review Date: 01/2021
- Update Date: 02/19/2021