Black women were more likely than women in general to have experienced at least three such stressful events in the past year. The likely causes of and contributors to stillbirth identified by the study are listed below in order from most common to least common: 1 Pregnancy and labor complications.
Problems with the pregnancy likely caused almost one in three stillbirths. Pregnancy and labor complications were more common causes of stillbirths before week Problems with the placenta. Almost one in four stillbirths were likely caused by problems with the placenta. One example of a placental problem that causes stillbirth is insufficient blood flow to the placenta.
In the SCRN study, placental problems were the leading cause of stillbirths that took place before birth, and these deaths tended to occur after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Birth defects. In more than 1 of every 10 stillbirths, the fetus had a genetic or structural birth defect that probably or possibly caused the death.
In more than 1 of every 10 stillbirths, the death was likely caused either by an infection in the fetus or in the placenta, or by a serious infection in the mother. Infections were a more common cause of death in stillbirths before week 24 than in those after.
Problems with the umbilical cord. However, stillbirth occurs more commonly among certain groups of people including women who:.
This does not mean that every individual of black race or older age is at higher risk for having a stillbirth. It simply means that overall as a group, more stillbirths occur among all mothers of black race or older age when compared to white mothers and mothers under 35 years of age. Differences in factors such as maternal health, income, access to quality health care, stress, social and emotional support resources and cultural factors may explain how these factors are related to having a stillbirth.
More research is needed to determine the underlying cause of stillbirths in these populations. These factors are also associated with other poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth. CDC works to learn more about who might have a stillbirth and why. CDC does this by tracking how often stillbirth occurs and researching what causes stillbirth and how to prevent it. Knowledge about the potential causes of stillbirth can be used to develop recommendations, policies, and services to help prevent stillbirth.
While we continue to learn more about stillbirth, much work remains. Even though the cause of a stillbirth is often never known, there are several things you can do that may lower the risk of having one. Staying healthy and taking folic acid before you become pregnant, as well as avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs are all important. It is also important that you go to all of your antenatal appointments and screenings for any potential health issues as well as having an ultrasound in early pregnancy, which may detect problems.
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you should try to ensure these are well controlled before and during your pregnancy. You should monitor your baby's movements , especially in the third trimester. If you think your baby's movements have changed, speak to your doctor or midwife immediately. You should sleep on your side as your pregnancy progresses, especially from 28 weeks. Lying on your back puts pressure on major blood vessels. Research has shown that sleeping on your side can reduce the risk of stillbirth by half.
It is also important that you take your birth team's advice on inducing or having a caesarean if your pregnancy goes past the due date. Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if:. If you can't contact your doctor or midwife go to the nearest GP or maternity hospital.
If you think it is an emergency, phone triple zero for an ambulance. An obstetrician or midwife will let you know if your baby is not showing any signs of life and will support you while they give you this news.
You will need to give birth to your baby and this, along with the news that the baby has died, is an extremely traumatic time for parents. You may be able to go home for a day or 2 before coming back to the hospital to give birth to your baby. Your midwife or obstetrician will discuss with you the best way for you to give birth. In most cases, they will suggest inducing a vaginal birth rather than a caesarean. Vaginal birth of a stillborn baby may take longer than with a live baby.
You will be able to have pain relief as well as the full support of your care team. Your feelings are important as well as your decisions about the birth. Your care team will also discuss with you some options for after the baby is born. You can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on to speak to a maternal child health nurse about any concerns you have. If you have experienced a stillbirth you can get support from SANDS Australia by calling , 24 hours a day.
Still Aware is an Australian stillbirth awareness organisation, providing education and support to parents and health professionals. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Stillbirth Stillbirth is defined as the tragic loss of a baby from 20 weeks gestation or g of body weight, if gestation is unknown. Read more on Gidget Foundation Australia website.
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