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Stillbirth
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Stillbirth

A stillbirth is the loss of a fetus at or after the 20th week of pregnancy, which can occur before or during delivery.

What is a stillbirth?

If you lose a fetus at or after the 20th week of pregnancy, it's called a stillbirth. A stillbirth can occur before or during delivery and may be considered as:

  • Early: The loss of a fetus between 20 and 27 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Late: The loss of a fetus between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Term: The loss of a fetus at 37 or more weeks of pregnancy.

Risk Factors

Stillbirth can happen in any pregnancy. Some factors may increase the chance that one can occur, including:

  • Age 35 years or older
  • Low socioeconomic status
  • Smoking during pregnancy
  • Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Being a non-Hispanic Black woman
  • Previously having a stillbirth
  • Pregnancy with more than one baby (twins or triplets)

Causes

In many cases, the cause remains unknown. Some causes may be preventable, but most are not. Causes may include:

  • Problems with the placenta, the organ that carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
  • Genetic problems with the fetus
  • Fetal infections
  • Other physical problems in the fetus
  • Problems with the umbilical cord during labor and delivery

Diagnosis

Before delivery, the only way to diagnose a stillbirth is to check if the fetus's heart is beating. Your health care provider may use an ultrasound to look for the fetal heartbeat.

During your pregnancy, your provider may recommend keeping track of fetal movements. However, if you don't notice movement, it doesn't always mean a stillbirth occurred. If you're pregnant and something seems unusual or is worrying you, talk to your provider.

After labor and delivery, your provider will check the baby for signs of life. These can include breathing, heartbeat, voluntary movements, and pulsations in the umbilical cord. If one or more signs of life are not present, then life-saving measures are taken. If these measures are unsuccessful, a stillbirth may be diagnosed.

Management

Care after a stillbirth depends on when it occurs. If it happens before delivery, your provider may induce labor or use surgery to deliver the fetus (cesarean delivery). If it happens during labor and delivery, the placenta will still need to be removed or delivered. Counseling may help you cope with your grief, and many women who have a stillbirth go on to have healthy babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Physically, your body will go through the same postpartum changes as after a live birth, including uterine contractions and lochia (bleeding). You may choose to deliver vaginally or via C-section depending on your health and the baby's position. Emotionally, it is crucial to have a support system in place; many hospitals offer perinatal loss specialists or counselors who can help you process the grief. You may also want to ask about options for holding the baby, taking photos, or keeping mementos, as these can be helpful for some families, though you are never required to do so.
While some causes of stillbirth are silent, you should contact your provider immediately if you experience a sudden decrease or complete cessation of fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or signs of preterm labor such as regular contractions or fluid leakage. Additionally, if you develop high blood pressure symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain, seek care right away, as preeclampsia is a significant risk factor for placental issues.
comprehensive investigation usually begins with an autopsy of the fetus and placenta, which is the most reliable method for identifying structural abnormalities or infections. Your provider may also order blood tests for you to check for clotting disorders or infections, and genetic testing of the placental tissue or fetal cells. In some cases, a detailed review of your prenatal records and ultrasound images is conducted to look for missed growth restrictions or placental anomalies.
If you have experienced a stillbirth, your next pregnancy will be considered high-risk and require closer monitoring. This typically includes more frequent ultrasound appointments to track fetal growth and well-being, as well as daily kick counts starting in the second trimester. Your provider may also recommend additional testing, such as non-stress tests or biophysical profiles, in the third trimester to ensure the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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