Stillbirth is the tragic loss of a baby before or during birth. It refers to the death of a fetus at 20 weeks of gestation or later, as defined in the United States by 42 U.S. Code ยง 2101. This article aims to shed light on the prevalence of stillbirth and explore the various factors that can contribute to its occurrence.
Understanding the Statistics
In the United States, stillbirth affects approximately 1 in 175 births, resulting in about 21,000 stillbirths each year. While improvements in maternity care since the 1940s led to a significant reduction in stillbirth rates, the rate of decline has slowed in recent decades. Globally, the stillbirth rate in 2023 was estimated at 14.3 stillbirths per 1,000 total births, meaning about 1 in 70 total births resulted in a stillborn baby. This equates to approximately 1.9 million stillbirths worldwide in 2023. These figures highlight that stillbirth remains a significant global health concern, with many cases potentially preventable through proper care.
Factors Influencing the Odds
Several factors can increase the likelihood of stillbirth, encompassing maternal health, placental issues, fetal conditions, and lifestyle choices. Maternal health conditions such as pre-existing diabetes and chronic hypertension are associated with a higher risk. For instance, the presence of diabetes can increase the risk of stillbirth by five times.
Placental complications also play a significant role. Conditions like placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely, and issues like uteroplacental vascular pathology, acute chorioamnionitis, and retroplacental clots, are all linked to increased stillbirth risk. Fetal conditions, including intrauterine growth restriction (FGR), where the baby does not grow as expected, are a prominent risk factor. In fact, FGR accounts for a substantial percentage of stillbirths, and its early detection can potentially reduce risk.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking during pregnancy, are strongly associated with stillbirth and other adverse outcomes like fetal growth restriction and premature birth. Maternal obesity is another modifiable risk factor. While these factors elevate the risk, it is important to remember that stillbirth can occur even without any identifiable cause, and many pregnancies with these factors result in healthy babies.
Strategies for Reducing Risk
Several strategies can help reduce the odds of stillbirth, focusing on consistent medical monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices. Regular prenatal care is foundational, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the baby’s growth and overall well-being. Attending all scheduled antenatal appointments helps identify potential problems early.
Monitoring fetal movement, often referred to as kick counts, is important. Babies develop a consistent pattern of movement; any significant change should prompt immediate contact with a healthcare provider. A decline or alteration in fetal movement can indicate potential issues with the baby’s health.
Managing pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is a proactive step. Working closely with healthcare providers to control these conditions before and during pregnancy can significantly lower stillbirth risk. Avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during pregnancy is recommended, as these can severely impact fetal development and increase stillbirth risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and appropriate physical activity can contribute to a healthier pregnancy outcome.