Stillbirth - Pharmacy Infoline

Stillbirth refers to the loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks (or sometimes 28 weeks, depending on the source) gestation, when the baby is no longer able to survive outside the womb. It’s a devastating experience for expecting parents and families.

Here’s some information about stillbirth:

Causes:

There can be several causes of stillbirth, including problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, genetic conditions in the baby, pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, and infections. In some cases, the cause may not be identified.

Problems with the Placenta or Umbilical Cord: The placenta nourishes the baby and removes waste products. Problems can include placental abruption (placenta separates from the womb too early), placenta previa (placenta covers the cervix), or issues with the umbilical cord like knots or prolapse (cord prolapses through the cervix).
Genetic Conditions: Sometimes, a baby may have a genetic condition that is incompatible with life. This can include chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic defects.
Pregnancy Complications: Certain health conditions in the mother can increase the risk of stillbirth. These include pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), chronic health issues like diabetes or kidney disease, and infections.
Unknown Causes: Unfortunately, not all stillbirths have a known cause. Even with testing, the reason for the loss may not be identified.

Diagnosis:

A stillbirth diagnosis can be a very difficult experience. Here’s some information on how it’s typically diagnosed:

Before Delivery:

Ultrasound: The most common way to diagnose a stillbirth before delivery is with a routine prenatal ultrasound. During an ultrasound, a healthcare provider uses sound waves to create an image of the baby. If the ultrasound doesn’t detect a heartbeat, it can be a sign of stillbirth.
Fetal Movement Monitoring: Some healthcare providers may recommend monitoring fetal movement, especially in later trimesters. This can involve tracking kicks or wiggles throughout the day. A significant decrease in movement can be a cause for concern, but it’s important to note that decreased movement doesn’t always indicate stillbirth.

After Delivery:

If a baby is delivered without any signs of life, a healthcare provider will confirm a stillbirth by checking for the following:

Breathing: No signs of breathing or gasping.
Heartbeat: No detectable heartbeat.
Movement: No voluntary muscle movement.
Pulse: No pulse in the umbilical cord.

Additional Testing:

Even after a stillbirth diagnosis, doctors may recommend some tests to determine the cause, if possible. This can help with future pregnancies and provide some closure for the grieving family. Tests may involve:

Examination of the Baby: A physical examination of the baby can be performed to look for any physical abnormalities.
Placental Examination: The placenta will also be examined for any abnormalities.
Fetal Blood Tests: Blood tests can be done on the baby to check for infections or genetic problems.
Maternal Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed on the mother to check for underlying health conditions.

Miscarriage vs stillbirth

Miscarriage and stillbirth are both terms used to describe pregnancy loss, but they differ in when the loss occurs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Timing:

Miscarriage: A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks (or sometimes 28 weeks, depending on the source) gestation. This is the most common time for pregnancy loss to occur.
Stillbirth: Stillbirth refers to the loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks (or sometimes 28 weeks) gestation, at a point when the baby would no longer be able to survive outside the womb.

Experience:

Miscarriage: Miscarriages are often physically painful and emotionally difficult. Bleeding and cramping are common symptoms.
Stillbirth: Stillbirth can be even more emotionally devastating because the pregnancy has progressed further and the parents may have already bonded with the baby.

Causes:

There can be some overlap in causes, but some factors are more common for each:

Miscarriage: Early pregnancy loss is often due to chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby that wouldn’t allow a healthy pregnancy to continue. Other causes can include hormonal imbalances, problems with the uterus or cervix, and infections.
Stillbirth: While some stillbirths are also due to chromosomal problems, other potential causes include issues with the placenta or umbilical cord, pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, and infections.

Support:

If you experience a stillbirth, there are many resources available to help you cope with the grief and loss. You can talk to your doctor, counselor, or support groups specifically for families who have experienced pregnancy loss.