Definition

A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the late stages of pregnancy.

Stillbirths may be due to injuries, illnesses (such as toxemia), infections, or catastrophic events (such as hemorrhage or cardiac arrest) in the mother or the fetus. Birth defects and growth abnormalities of the fetus also can occur. Problems with the uterus (such as placental detachment, poor placental function, or restricted uterine growth) can be dangerous to the fetus. See miscarriage.

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Review Date:8/8/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hosptial, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.