What is a Stillbirth?

A stillbirth occurs when the fetus dies within the uterus after the 20th week of pregnancy.   A stillbirth occurs approximately 1 out of 200 pregnancies.  One can only imagine the devastation that this causes to a couple, especially when majority of the times the news comes as a complete shock.  It makes coping with a stillbirth exptremely difficult for everyone invloved.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Stillbirth

A stillbirth may or may not have signs and symptoms.  Majority of woman do not have any specific signs that their fetus has passed away.  The other difficulty is that some stillbirths occur during labor which makes noticing the warning signs extremely difficult.  Some signs and symptoms that may indicate a stillbirth include inability to feel the baby move, decreased movement of the baby, inability to see or hear fetal heart tones, and / or vaginal bleeding.  If a stillbirth is suspected then a ultrasound will be performed which will show that there are no fetal heart tones and that the baby is not moving.  To learn more Go To Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage. 

 

Causes of Stillbirth

There are several different causes for a stillbirth.  Chromosomal abnormalities account for approximately 10% of stillbirths.  While birth defects account  for approximately 25% of stillbirths.  Majority of birth defects are identified upon autopsy after the fetus is delivered. 

Placental and umbilical cord problems in which oxygen and nutrients are restricted to the fetus can cause a stillbirth.  Another abnormality with the placenta is a placental abruption.  A placental abruption is when a portion of the placenta tears away from the uterus and cause severe vaginal bleeding.  Risk factors for a placental abruption are smoking, cocaine use, high blood pressure, and usually occurs after the 34th week of gestation.  

Other causes of stillbirth include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), systemic illnesses (ie. untreated thyroid disease or diabetes), and substance abuse.  To learn more about the causes Go To Cause of Miscarriage.

 

Treatment of Stillbirth

A stillbirth usually does not require a lot of medical involvement, however the emotional anguish is so difficult most women want medical assistance with their delivery.  Most women will "naturally" go into labor approximately two weeks after the fetus dies.  However, coping with a stillbirth is so difficult that most couples can not handle this and wish for immediate treatment.  This involves the woman going into the hospital and having her labor induced with medications.  Medication is usually placed within the vagina next to the cervix to help to soften the cervix and aid in contractions.  If contractions do not occur over a specific time then pitocin will be added.  Pitocin causes the uterus to contract and the fetus will then be delivered.  After the fetus is delivered the woman will be given time with the baby if she so desires.  Whenever the woman is ready the baby will be sent to the pathologist to perform an autopsy on the baby.  This is an extremely important part of the process since the pahtologist will evaluate the baby and placenta for the cause.  The most difficult part of a stillbirth is the emotional aspect and coping with the miscarriage.  To learn more Go To Treatment of Miscarriage.

It is recommended that a couple wait at least six month to one year before trying to conceive again after a stillbirth.