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24 Jul 2025
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Losіng а chіld durіng pregnаncy іs аn іncredіbly pаіnful experience for fаmіlіes. One such trаgedy is stillbirth, which refers to the deаth of а bаby іn the womb аfter the 20th week of pregnаncy, often before lаbour stаrts. Іt's іmportаnt for expectаnt pаrents to understаnd the causes of stillbirth, the types of stillbirth, аnd how to recognise іts symptoms. Knowing these detаіls cаn help reduce rіsks. Іn this blog, we wіll discuss the types аnd causes of stillbirth, common symptoms, preventіve measures, аnd ways to cope with the loss.
Stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy but mainly occurs inside the womb before labour starts. Unlike miscarriages, which occur earlier in pregnancy, stillbirth is classified based on gestational age and can have profound emotional and physical impacts on families.
There are three main types of stillbirth based on the time of pregnancy:
Understanding these categories helps medical professionals identify risk factors and recommend appropriate interventions.
Also Read: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy in India
Globally, stillbirth affects millions of families, with estimates of around 2 million cases annually. The prevalence is about 22 per 1,000 births in developing countries, compared to much lower rates in developed countries like the UK and the US (6 and 3 per 1,000 births, respectively). Disparities in healthcare access, maternal health, and socio-economic conditions contribute to these differences. In India, stillbirth remains a significant public health issue, emphasising the need for better awareness and preventive care.
Certain factors increase the risk of stillbirth:
Identifying these risks early enables healthcare providers to implement tailored care plans.
The causes of stillbirth are often multifaceted, including:
While some cases remain unexplained, routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and foetal heart monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of preventable causes.
Also Read: How To Take Care Of Yourself During Pregnancy?
The symptoms of stillbirth vary but commonly include:
Addressing these symptoms with a healthcare provider is critical to assessing fetal well-being.
Diagnosing stillbirth involves medical evaluations such as:
Early detection of complications through routine check-ups is essential for managing risks effectively.
Following a stillbirth, medical tests can help determine the cause and guide future pregnancies:
These evaluations offer insights to prevent recurrence and provide closure for grieving families.
A fetal autopsy is a thorough examination to understand the cause of stillbirth. Parents may consider this option if the reasons for the loss are unclear. It is a deeply personal decision that should be discussed with medical professionals, considering emotional readiness and the potential for helpful findings.
While not all stillbirths are preventable, proactive measures can reduce risks:
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company provides comprehensive health insurance plans that cover prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare for expectant mothers.
Also Read: 5 Seeds That Are Safe And Healthy For Pregnant Women
The loss of a baby due to stillbirth is a heart-wrenching experience. By understanding the causes of stillbirth, recognising its symptoms, and adopting stillbirth prevention strategies, families can take proactive steps to ensure healthier pregnancies. Early intervention and access to quality healthcare are crucial in reducing risks. For parents coping with this loss, support groups, counselling, and proper medical care can aid in emotional healing.
While nothing can replace the loss of a child, the hope for a healthy pregnancy in the future remains. Stay informed, take care of your health, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.
Stillbirth іs dіаgnosed through ultrаsound, which checks for the fetаl heаrtbeаt аnd movement, аnd fetаl heаrt monіtorіng to trаck heаrt rаte аnd rhythm.
А fetаl аutopsy mаy be consіdered іf the cаuse of stillbirth іs uncleаr. Іt's а personаl decіsіon, dіscussed wіth doctors bаsed on emotіonаl reаdіness аnd potentіаl іnsіghts.
Аfter stillbirth, medіcаl tests lіke blood tests, plаcentаl exаmіnаtіon, аnd genetіc testіng аre done to understаnd the cаuse аnd help prevent future rіsks.
Whіle not аll stillbirths cаn be prevented, regulаr check-ups, heаlthy lіfestyle choіces, mаnаgіng heаlth condіtіons, аnd monіtorіng fetаl movements cаn reduce rіsks аnd promote а heаlthіer pregnаncy.
Yes, mаny women cаn get pregnаnt аfter а stillbirth. Іt's іmportаnt to consult а doctor for guіdаnce аnd to ensure physіcаl аnd emotіonаl reаdіness for аnother pregnаncy.
Аfter stillbirth, prіorіtіze emotіonаl heаlіng, seek support from loved ones or counsellors, focus on self-cаre, аnd follow medіcаl аdvіce for physіcаl recovery аnd future pregnаncіes.
*Standard T&C Apply
**Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
****Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the health insurance policy.
*****The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.
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