What is Stillbirth and What are Its Causes?

Stillbirth is a tragedy that occurs when a fetus dies during the third trimester of pregnancy. An estimated 1 in 160 pregnancies result in stillbirth around the world. A stillbirth is devastating for parents, who must grapple with the loss of their much-desired pregnancy and the death of their baby even before it is born.

Understanding stillbirth can be difficult for many people and the grief and pain that it brings can be extremely difficult to process and overcome. However, it is still important to understand the potential causes and how stillbirth can be minimised through the implementation of preventative measures.

Common Causes of Stillbirth

Beyond the sudden and unexplainable cases of stillbirth, there are a number of known causes that can lead to stillbirth. One of the most common causes is placental insufficiency, which can disrupt the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to the baby. Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus, can also lead to stillbirth. If the baby is in a foetal position that blocks the cervix, it can prevent the successful delivery of the baby, thus resulting in stillbirth.

Other causes of stillbirth may include conditions and medical issues such as pre-eclampsia, maternal diabetes, intrauterine infections and chromosomal abnormalities. Other risk factors for stillbirth, such as smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals, may also play a part in increasing the risk of stillbirth and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Preventing Stillbirth

While it can be difficult to entirely avoid stillbirth in all cases, there are some steps that can be taken in order to reduce the risk and ensure the safety of the baby and mother. Regular antenatal checkups can help detect any potential issues that poses a risk to the pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, which can then be treated to reduce the risk of stillbirth.

It is also important to avoid any potentially risky behaviours during pregnancy, such as smoking, drinking, and drug usage, as these can have a detrimental impact on the development of the foetus. In addition, if any signs of pain, bleeding or decreased movement of the baby are detected, it is important to contact a doctor immediately to get it checked out.

Stillbirth is undoubtedly a heartbreaking experience and the grief that it causes can be very difficult to bear. By understanding the causes of stillbirth and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, it is possible to ensure the safe delivery of the baby and to prevent this tragedy from occurring.