Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy or during delivery. There are multiple, often overlapping factors that can contribute, and in many cases the exact cause cannot be determined. Key possible causes and contributors
- Placental problems: The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients; issues such as insufficient blood flow, placental abruption, or infections can lead to stillbirth.
- Fetal (baby) problems: Birth defects or genetic abnormalities, congenital anomalies, or fetal growth restrictions can result in stillbirth.
- Infections: Infections in the mother, fetus, or placenta (such as certain bacterial or viral infections) can play a role.
- Umbilical cord problems: A knot, compression, or reduced blood flow through the cord can cut off oxygen and nutrients.
- Pregnancy complications: Prolonged pregnancy (past about 42 weeks), high blood pressure disorders (like preeclampsia), diabetes, obesity, or chronic medical conditions in the mother can increase risk.
- Rh incompatibility: If the baby is Rh-positive and the mother is Rh-negative, this can cause immune-related problems in some cases.
- Trauma or injuries: Severe events (e.g., car accidents) can contribute in rare cases.
- Unknown causes: In many instances, no single cause is identified even after thorough investigation.
What increases risk
- Maternal age (older age can be a factor in some cases)
- History of stillbirth or miscarriages
- Chronic health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or autoimmune diseases)
- Socioeconomic factors and lifestyle elements (smoking during pregnancy, poor access to prenatal care)
- Infections or exposure to certain infections during pregnancy
What can be done to reduce risk or detect issues
- Regular prenatal care: Early and ongoing monitoring helps identify problems such as fetal growth restriction or placental issues.
- Screening and tests: Routine ultrasounds, fetal monitoring when indicated, and maternal blood tests can reveal concerns.
- Manage chronic conditions: Controlling diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders before and during pregnancy is important.
- Avoid harmful exposures: Not smoking, avoiding alcohol and certain recreational drugs, and reducing infection risks through hygiene and vaccination when appropriate.
- Plan for high-risk pregnancies: If there are known risk factors (e.g., prior stillbirth, multiple gestation, or placental problems), your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent visits, additional testing, or specialized care.
If you or someone you know is pregnant and has concerns about stillbirth risk or symptoms (such as reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, unusual pain, or fluid leakage), seek medical attention promptly. Note on uncertainty
- While many stillbirths have identifiable contributing factors, in a substantial minority of cases the exact cause remains unknown, even after thorough examination.
If you’d like, share your location or a specific angle (e.g., risk factors during a specific trimester, or how healthcare providers investigate after a stillbirth) and available sources or contexts to tailor the information further.
