What is stillbirth?

There is no universally accepted definition in the US.  The most common definition is the death of the baby 20 or more weeks after a woman becomes pregnant but before full delivery.  Some states use baby weight instead of weeks gestation for reporting a stillbirth.  These differing definitions complicate reporting actual stillbirth numbers in the U.S.

 

As the graph to the right shows, the stillbirth rate has been relatively flat since 2003.  You can help get this rate dropping again!

 

Stillbirth Numbers

• 1 in 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth

• 1/3 of those deaths are unexplained

• Race is a factor impacting stillbirth chances

• Number of stillbirths are similar to infant deaths each year
• There are more stillbirths each year in the US than homicides

 

Prevention Tips

• Avoid smoking, alcohol and illegal drug use
• Monitor your baby’s movements by counting the kicks
• If you are high risk pregnancy ensure you are being monitored closely

• • High risk includes
    • Greater than 34 years old
    • African American
    • Obese
    • Multiple babies in the womb

• If you are past your due date discuss options with your doctor
• Do NOT neglect your prenatal visits