What is stillbirth?
When a baby dies inside the mother’s womb, it is called “intrauterine fetal death” or “stillbirth”. This happens after the 20th week of pregnancy. If the baby dies early, it is called a miscarriage.
When a baby is stillborn, the parents receive both a birth certificate and a death certificate. But if the baby is lost earlier, they may not get these certificates.
To some people, the difference between stillbirth and miscarriage may not seem very significant. But whatever you call it, losing a baby is very sad and difficult for parents.
Incident of Childhood
In many countries, about 1 in 100 pregnancies end in the death of the baby before birth. This is called fetal death or stillbirth and happens about 24,000 times a year. Stillbirths can occur either early in pregnancy (between 20 and 27 weeks) or later (28 weeks or more), and both are almost equally common.
Different countries have different rules about when they consider a baby to be stillborn. It depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how much the baby weighs. For example, in some places, a baby must be at least 16 weeks old or weigh at least 400 grams to be considered stillborn.
It is important to know that stillbirths are more common in some countries, especially in poorer countries. This means that far more babies are stillborn in these places compared to wealthier countries. Shockingly, about half of stillbirths occur during the birth process itself, which is the most dangerous period.
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Reasons
In about one in four stillbirths, doctors can’t find a clear reason why it happened. However, when there is a known cause, some of the more common ones include:
– Congenital birth defects: These are problems with the baby’s development that are present at birth.
– Genetic abnormalities: Changes or mutations in the baby’s genes can sometimes lead to stillbirth.
– Placental problems: Problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus) or ductus prednisone (when the fetus’s blood vessels cross the cervix), can cause stillbirth.
– Placental dysfunction: When the placenta does not function properly, it can lead to problems with the baby’s development.
– Umbilical cord complications: Problems with the umbilical cord, such as wrapping around the baby’s neck or being compressed, can cause stillbirth.
– Uterine rupture: In rare cases, the uterus can rupture during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to stillbirth.
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Risk factors
There are many things that can make a woman more likely to have a stillbirth. Some of these factors you can control, while others you can’t.
- Maternal Health: Your overall health plays a big role in your ability to carry a baby to term. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, lupus, kidney disease, thyroid disorders and thrombophilia can increase the risk of stillbirth. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight can also make it more likely.
- Race: sometimes people from different backgrounds have different chances of stillbirth. For example, some groups may have more difficulty getting good health care, which can make stillbirth more likely. Also, there may be things in our genes that make this more likely for some people.
- Age: While advances in health care have reduced the impact of age on the risk of stillbirth, women over 35 still have a higher chance of unexplained stillbirth than younger women.
- Multiple pregnancy: Carrying more than one baby increases the risk of stillbirth. For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), Doctors often recommend transferring only one embryo per cycle to reduce this risk.
- Exposure to violence: Domestic violence can affect women from all backgrounds. In communities with high rates of unemployment, drug use, and incarceration, the risk of stillbirth can be even greater.
- History of problems: If you have had pregnancy problems in the past, such as fetal growth restriction or premature birth, you are more likely to have a stillbirth in a future pregnancy. Women who have had a previous stillbirth are also at higher risk of experiencing another.
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Stillbirth experience
If a stillbirth occurs, it means the baby has died before birth. A common sign is when mom stops feeling the baby move inside her belly. When the doctor confirms this sad news, mom usually has two options:
- Induction of labor: This means taking medicine to induce labor within a few days.
- Waiting for labor: Mom can expect labor to start on its own within a week or two.
Transitioning to a stillbirth can evoke many different emotions. It is important not to keep these feelings inside. Talking to friends, family and your doctor about how you feel can really help. If it’s really hard to deal with, it’s okay to seek help from a counselor or mental health professional. The doctor can help find someone to talk to.
Remember, dealing with a stillbirth takes time. Be patient with yourself and don’t shut yourself out from others. Things will start to feel better in time.
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About the twin stillbirth experience:
When both babies in the womb die before they are born, it is called a twin stillbirth. This can be a very difficult and emotional experience for you as a parent.
If you notice that you can’t feel your babies moving anymore, it’s important to tell your doctor straight away. They can check in to see what’s going on and offer support.
Sometimes, one baby may survive while the other does not. This can bring mixed feelings – sadness for the baby you lost and gratitude for the one that is still with you.
Frequently asked questions about stillbirth
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of stillbirth?
– Signs of stillbirth include when the baby in the womb does not move for a long time or when the doctor cannot find the baby’s heartbeat. Sometimes, there may be bleeding or fluid leakage from the vagina. If you notice these signs, tell your doctor immediately.
Q. How is stillbirth diagnosed?
– Stillbirth is usually detected through tests such as ultrasound and monitoring the baby’s heartbeat. If the doctor is concerned, they may do an ultrasound to check the baby. They may also use a special machine to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. If they can’t find a heartbeat or movement, they may do more tests to be sure.
Q. What happens after a stillbirth is diagnosed?
– After learning about a stillbirth, the doctor will talk to you about the delivery. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is and other things, you may be given medicine to start labor or have surgery to deliver the baby. They will also help you deal with your feelings and offer support.
Q. What should I expect during the labor and delivery process if stillbirth occurs?
– If stillbirth occurs, the labor and delivery process is similar to when a baby is born alive. You may take medication to induce labor or have surgery to deliver the baby. The doctors and nurses will be there to help and support you in everything. After the baby is born, you will have time to be with them and say goodbye in your own way.
Understanding why this happened can be complicated. It could be due to problems with the way the babies were getting nutrients from you or problems with their umbilical cord.
It’s okay to feel sad, confused, or overwhelmed. Talking to your doctor, family or friends can provide comfort and support. You may also find it helpful to talk to a counselor who can help you navigate your emotions during this difficult time.
Remember to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to grieve the loss of your baby while loving the presence of the one who remains with you.
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