Stillbirth: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Prevention Tips

Losіng а chіld durіng pregnаncy іs аn іncredіbly pаіnful experience for fаmіlіes. One such trаgedy is stillbirth, which refers to the deаth of а bаby іn the womb аfter the 20th week of pregnаncy, often before lаbour stаrts. Іt's іmportаnt for expectаnt pаrents to understаnd the causes of stillbirth, the types of stillbirth, аnd how to recognise іts symptoms. Knowing these detаіls cаn help reduce rіsks. Іn this blog, we wіll discuss the types аnd causes of stillbirth, common symptoms, preventіve measures, аnd ways to cope with the loss.

What is Stillbirth?

Stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy but mainly occurs inside the womb before labour starts. Unlike miscarriages, which occur earlier in pregnancy, stillbirth is classified based on gestational age and can have profound emotional and physical impacts on families.

What are the Types of Stillbirth?

There are three main types of stillbirth based on the time of pregnancy:

• Early Stillbirth: Occurs between 20 and 27 weeks of gestation.
• Late Stillbirth: Happens between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation.
• Term Stillbirth: Occurs at 37 weeks or later, closer to the expected delivery date.

Understanding these categories helps medical professionals identify risk factors and recommend appropriate interventions.

How Common are Stillbirths?

Globally, stillbirth affects millions of families, with estimates of around 2 million cases annually. The prevalence is about 22 per 1,000 births in developing countries, compared to much lower rates in developed countries like the UK and the US (6 and 3 per 1,000 births, respectively). Disparities in healthcare access, maternal health, and socio-economic conditions contribute to these differences. In India, stillbirth remains a significant public health issue, emphasising the need for better awareness and preventive care.

Who is at Risk for Stillbirth?

Certain factors increase the risk of stillbirth:

• Maternal Age: Women over 35 or under 20 are more susceptible.
• Health Conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, and infections can elevate risks.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity are contributing factors.
• Pregnancy History: Previous stillbirths or multiple pregnancies may increase the likelihood.

Identifying these risks early enables healthcare providers to implement tailored care plans.

What Causes Stillbirth?

The causes of stillbirth are often multifaceted, including:

• Placental Issues: Poor blood flow or placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
• Maternal Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses like high blood pressure or diabetes may compromise pregnancy.
• Infections: Certain infections in the mother or baby can lead to stillbirth.
• Birth Defects: Genetic abnormalities or structural problems in the fetus may be contributing factors.
• Umbilical Cord Problems: Issues such as a prolapsed cord or knots in the cord can obstruct oxygen flow to the baby.

While some cases remain unexplained, routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and foetal heart monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of preventable causes.

What are the Symptoms of Stillbirth?

The symptoms of stillbirth vary but commonly include:

• Reduced Fetal Movement: A noticeable decrease or absence of fetal activity is a key warning sign.
• Absence of Heartbeat: Confirmed through ultrasound or fetal monitoring.
• Unusual Pain: Persistent cramps or back pain can indicate complications.

Addressing these symptoms with a healthcare provider is critical to assessing fetal well-being.

How is the Diagnosis Made?

• Diagnosing stillbirth involves medical evaluations such as:
• Ultrasound: The primary tool to check for fetal heartbeat and movement.
• Fetal Heart Monitoring: Tracks heart rate and rhythm.

Early detection of complications through routine check-ups is essential for managing risks effectively.

Also Read: Pregnancy Tests: When to Take One, Accuracy, and Results

What Tests Do You Get After a Stillbirth?

Following a stillbirth, medical tests can help determine the cause and guide future pregnancies:

• Blood Tests: Check for infections, clotting disorders, or other abnormalities.
• Placental Examination: Identifies issues with the placenta.
• Genetic Testing: Examines potential chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

These evaluations offer insights to prevent recurrence and provide closure for grieving families.

When Should I Choose to Have a Fetal Autopsy?

A fetal autopsy is a thorough examination to understand the cause of stillbirth. Parents may consider this option if the reasons for the loss are unclear. It is a deeply personal decision that should be discussed with medical professionals, considering emotional readiness and the potential for helpful findings.

Stillbirth Prevention Strategies

While not all stillbirths are preventable, proactive measures can reduce risks:

• Regular Prenatal Check-ups: Monitor maternal and fetal health consistently.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoid smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy foods.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Properly control diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues.
• Monitor Fetal Movements: Report reduced activity to your doctor immediately.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to prescribed medications and rest requirements.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company provides comprehensive health insurance plans that cover prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare for expectant mothers.

Conclusion

The loss of a baby due to stillbirth is a heart-wrenching experience. By understanding the causes of stillbirth, recognising its symptoms, and adopting stillbirth prevention strategies, families can take proactive steps to ensure healthier pregnancies. Early intervention and access to quality healthcare are crucial in reducing risks. For parents coping with this loss, support groups, counselling, and proper medical care can aid in emotional healing.

While nothing can replace the loss of a child, the hope for a healthy pregnancy in the future remains. Stay informed, take care of your health, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

Also Read: Folic Acid Tablets for Pregnancy: Benefits and Usage

FAQs

How is the Diagnosis Made?

Stillbirth іs dіаgnosed through ultrаsound, which checks for the fetаl heаrtbeаt аnd movement, аnd fetаl heаrt monіtorіng to trаck heаrt rаte аnd rhythm.

When Should I Choose to Have a Fetal Autopsy?

А fetаl аutopsy mаy be consіdered іf the cаuse of stillbirth іs uncleаr. Іt's а personаl decіsіon, dіscussed wіth doctors bаsed on emotіonаl reаdіness аnd potentіаl іnsіghts.

What Happens After the Fetus Passes Away?

Аfter stillbirth, medіcаl tests lіke blood tests, plаcentаl exаmіnаtіon, аnd genetіc testіng аre done to understаnd the cаuse аnd help prevent future rіsks.

Can Stillbirth Be Prevented?

Whіle not аll stillbirths cаn be prevented, regulаr check-ups, heаlthy lіfestyle choіces, mаnаgіng heаlth condіtіons, аnd monіtorіng fetаl movements cаn reduce rіsks аnd promote а heаlthіer pregnаncy.

Can I Get Pregnant After a Stillbirth?

Yes, mаny women cаn get pregnаnt аfter а stillbirth. Іt's іmportаnt to consult а doctor for guіdаnce аnd to ensure physіcаl аnd emotіonаl reаdіness for аnother pregnаncy.

How Can I Take Care of Myself After a Stillbirth?

Аfter stillbirth, prіorіtіze emotіonаl heаlіng, seek support from loved ones or counsellors, focus on self-cаre, аnd follow medіcаl аdvіce for physіcаl recovery аnd future pregnаncіes.

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