Stillbirth: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention

What are the symptoms of a stillbirth?

A stillbirth refers to the death of a baby in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While the specific symptoms of a stillbirth can vary, common signs may include:

Symptoms of a Stillbirth:

Absence of fetal movement: The most common symptom is a sudden or gradual decrease in the baby’s movements in the womb. A mother might notice that the baby is no longer kicking or moving as much as before.
No heartbeat detected: During a prenatal visit, the doctor may be unable to detect the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, Doppler, or ultrasound.
Cramps or abdominal pain: Some women experience cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, similar to contractions, but without progression into labor.
Vaginal bleeding: There may be light or heavy vaginal bleeding, which could be a sign of a problem with the pregnancy.
Labor without signs of life: Some women may go into labor naturally but find out during delivery that the baby has passed away.

Important Considerations:

Decreased pregnancy symptoms: Some women notice a reduction in common pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or a decrease in uterine size.
Amniotic fluid leakage: Leaking amniotic fluid before labor can sometimes be a sign of an issue with the pregnancy.

If you suspect reduced fetal movement or experience any concerning symptoms, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Regular prenatal care can help monitor the baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.

What are the causes of a stillbirth?

Stillbirth, the death of a baby at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, can have various causes, often complex and multifactorial. Some common causes include:

Placental Issues: Problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterus) or placental insufficiency (inadequate blood flow to the baby), can lead to stillbirth.
Umbilical Cord Problems: Issues like umbilical cord compression or knotting can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Maternal Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia can increase the risk of stillbirth.
Infections: Certain infections, such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis, can affect the baby’s health and lead to stillbirth.
Birth Defects: Severe congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions may result in stillbirth.
Fetal Growth Restriction: When a baby doesn’t grow properly in the womb, it can be at higher risk for stillbirth.
Trauma: Physical trauma to the mother or baby, though rare, can be a factor.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can contribute to an increased risk of stillbirth.
Unknown Causes: In many cases, the exact cause of stillbirth may remain unknown despite thorough investigation.

Regular prenatal care and monitoring can help identify and manage some of these risk factors. If you have specific concerns or risk factors, discussing them with a healthcare provider can help in managing and reducing the risks.

What can one do to prevent a stillbirth?

To help prevent stillbirth, it’s important to focus on several key areas. Regular prenatal care is crucial, as it allows for close monitoring of the baby’s health and early intervention if issues arise. Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, with the help of your healthcare provider can significantly reduce risk.

Paying attention to fetal movements, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, is essential. If you notice a decrease in movement, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also beneficial—eating a balanced diet, engaging in moderate exercise (unless advised otherwise), and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs can support a healthy pregnancy.

Staying hydrated, managing weight, and being aware of infection risks through good hygiene and safe food practices are also important. Avoiding high-risk activities that could cause trauma or expose you to hazardous substances is another preventive measure.

Following any specific medical advice or interventions recommended by your healthcare provider, particularly if you have known risk factors, is crucial. Lastly, discussing your personal and family health history with your healthcare provider can help them offer tailored advice to further reduce your risk of stillbirth.