Health Encyclopedia

Stillbirth

Definition

A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the last half of pregnancy.

Alternative Names

Fetal death

Information

Stillbirth is becoming less common as care for pregnancy improves. If you have a stillbirth, your medical provider may request 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:

Birth defects
Chromosome abnormalities
Infection, in the mother or the fetus
Injuries
Medical conditions of the mother, such as diabetes, epilepsy, and hypertention
Sudden severe blood loss (hemorrhage) in the mother or fetus
Stopping of the heartbeat (cardiac arrest) in the mother or fetus
Uterine problems (placental detachment, poor placental function, or intrauterine growth restriction)

In about 25 - 35% of stillbirths, no explanation can be found.

Stillbirth is traumatic for the mother and her family. It is associated with grief and 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. 22nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005: chap 29.

Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Churchill Livingstone; 2007.

Review Date:5/17/2009
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, 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.

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