Stillborn - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Stillborn refers to a baby who is born without any signs of life at or after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This means the baby does not breathe or show any signs of life when he or she is born. In many cases, the cause of stillbirth is unknown, but factors can include complications related to the placenta or umbilical cord, infections, or certain health conditions in the mother.

Key Takeaways

“Stillborn” refers to a term in pregnancy where a baby is born deceased after 20 weeks of gestation. Prior to 20 weeks, the term used would be a miscarriage.
The causes of stillbirth can vary widely, including complications with the placenta, infections, genetic abnormalities, growth restriction, or issues with the mother’s health such as pre-eclampsia or diabetes. However, in many cases, the exact cause of a stillbirth is never determined.
Experiencing a stillbirth can be an emotionally challenging event for parents. Support and professional counselling can help with grieving and coming to terms with the loss.

Importance

The term “stillborn” is significant in discussions around motherhood because it refers to a complex and deeply emotional experience. It describes the devastating situation when a baby is born without any signs of life at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

This is considered a late pregnancy loss and it’s a traumatic time for parents who have anticipated the birth of their child. Understanding and using this term appropriately is important in acknowledging the grief and loss experienced by parents.

It also facilitates sensitive communication and discussion about the medical, emotional, and psychological challenges surrounding such an event. Furthermore, it’s crucial for policy implications concerning bereavement care, maternal and child health, and research into preventing stillbirths.

Explanation

Stillbirth is a vital term in the realm of motherhood, often utilized by medical professionals, grief counselors, researchers, and support groups to better understand and communicate about a tragically specific type of loss. This term helps categorize the occurrence for clear medical records and reports, enabling the development of preventative strategies and research studies that target the causes and potential mitigations of stillbirth.

The use of this specific term also assists in understanding the statistics and prevalence of stillbirth, thereby providing clinicians vital information to address intrinsic risk factors while supporting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. The term ‘stillborn’ is not only medically significant but also serves a critical social and psychological role.

It acknowledges the grief, loss, and trauma of parents who lose their child before birth. This recognition is fundamental for facilitating available support resources such as counselling and support groups, where bereaved parents can connect with others who have experienced similar loss.

Emotional validation is crucial during this grieving process, and having a distinct term like ‘stillborn’ provides a reference point for these experiences, making it easier for individuals to share their feelings and find the tailored help that they need.

Examples of Stillborn

I’m sorry for the sensitive topic, but you’ve asked for real world examples, so here they are:

A woman goes to her regular medical check-up during her nine months of pregnancy. Despite having a perfectly healthy pregnancy, she unexpectedly is told by her doctor that her baby no longer has a heartbeat. This is stillbirth – the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

In the developing world, due to limited access to healthcare services or prenatal care, the rates of stillbirth can be significantly higher. For example, a woman living in a rural region might not receive the necessary prenatal care, resulting in complications during birth that may lead to a stillborn baby.

A couple is excited to welcome their second child, however, during the delivery, complications occur. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the baby is born without signs of life. In these examples, as in all instances of stillbirth, the reasons can vary widely and sometimes, it’s impossible to determine what exactly led to the stillbirth. It often leads to profound grief and it’s important to provide these parents with the necessary psychological support to handle their loss.

FAQs About Stillbirth

What is a stillbirth?

A stillbirth is when a baby is born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy. If the baby dies before 24 completed weeks, it’s known as a miscarriage or late fetal loss.

What causes stillbirth?

There are many factors that can cause stillbirth. These can include complications during labor and delivery, issues with the placenta or umbilical cord, genetic or physical abnormalities in the baby, infection, and conditions in the mother like pre-eclampsia or diabetes.

What are the signs of a stillbirth?

Signs may include not feeling the baby move as much or at all. However, it’s important to know that it’s normal for babies to have quieter times and more active times, and a decrease in a baby’s movements can also be due to the baby sleeping. However, if you’re ever concerned that your baby is not moving as much as usual, seek immediate medical advice.

How is a stillbirth managed?

A stillbirth can be a very distressing time for families. Medical professionals can provide physical care for a woman after a stillbirth. This might involve inducing labor if necessary, or an operation to deliver the baby if labor isn’t possible or appropriate. Emotional support and psychological therapies can also help families cope with the loss of a baby.

Can stillbirth be prevented?

Not all stillbirths can be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risks. This can include getting regular prenatal care, following a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring your baby’s movements and seeking immediate advice if you notice any changes.