Stillbirth

Stillbirth is a devastating event for the mother, family and health care providers. It is defined as the unexpected death after 20 weeks of gestation. Approximately 14 % of stillbirths occur during labor and delivery and 86% occur before labor starts. According to national statistics, stillbirths occur once in every 115 births. That translates  into  approximately 26,000 stillbirths per year.

Stillbirths may be due to injuries, illnesses, maternal or fetal infections, abruption, blood abnormalities, congenital anomalies, umbilical cord accidents, poor placental function, drug use, advanced maternal age, diabetes, hypertension, connective tissue disorders, smoking, lack of proper nutrition, nuchal cord (cord around the neck),  growth abnormalities and unexplained  causes. Smokers are 40 % more likely than non-smokers to have a stillbirth and 20 % more likely to have a sudden infant death during the first month of life.

www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1198.asp

Birth data

Reference cdc.gov