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Stillbirth is the death of a baby before birth after the gestational threshold used locally. It requires compassionate medical care, investigation and bereavement support.
Signs and symptoms
Reduced or absent fetal movement may be the first concern, though confirmation requires professional assessment and ultrasound.
Features associated with stillbirth can overlap with other reproductive, pregnancy or general health conditions. Timing, severity, pregnancy status and effects on daily function guide assessment.
Causes
The causes of stillbirth vary and may involve hormonal, anatomical, genetic, infectious, inflammatory or life-stage factors. Symptoms cannot establish the cause without appropriate assessment.
Risk factors
Risk factors may change the likelihood of stillbirth but do not confirm it. Many affected people have no recognised risk factor, and many people with risk factors do not develop the condition.
Diagnosis
Investigation may include placental examination, blood tests, genetic testing and post-mortem discussion, while a cause is not always found.
Assessment of stillbirth may include pregnancy status, medical and reproductive history, medicines, examination and targeted testing. Online information cannot provide an individual diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for stillbirth is individualised around the cause, severity, reproductive goals, pregnancy or breastfeeding status and personal preferences. Medicine or procedures require informed discussion of benefits and risks.
Self-care
For stillbirth, self-care can support but not replace appropriate assessment. Follow the agreed care plan, use medicines only as directed, keep concise symptom records and seek review when recovery is not progressing.
Recovery
Recovery from stillbirth varies with cause and treatment. Gradual improvement, follow-up results and return of comfortable daily function are more useful than a fixed timetable.
Prevention
Not every case of stillbirth can be prevented. Routine reproductive and maternity care, vaccination, infection prevention, medicine review and early attention to symptoms can reduce avoidable complications where applicable.
Possible complications
Possible complications of stillbirth depend on severity and context. Persistent bleeding, infection, anaemia, pain, feeding difficulty or reproductive effects deserve professional review rather than assumption.
When to seek urgent medical care
Contact maternity care immediately for reduced or absent fetal movement, bleeding, severe pain, fluid loss or any serious pregnancy concern.
If someone with possible stillbirth seems seriously unwell, seek urgent care. Call the local emergency number for collapse, unresponsiveness, severe breathing difficulty or another immediate threat to life.
Frequently asked questions
Can symptoms confirm the condition?
No. Symptoms associated with stillbirth may have several causes, and examination or tests may be needed before care is chosen.
Can self-care replace professional assessment?
Self-care may support mild, assessed stillbirth, but it cannot replace evaluation when symptoms worsen, warning signs appear or pregnancy is possible.
When should follow-up be arranged?
Arrange follow-up for stillbirth when symptoms persist, recur, interfere with daily life or do not improve as expected. Seek urgent help sooner for warning signs.
Summary
Stillbirth is the death of a baby before birth after the gestational threshold used locally. It requires compassionate medical care, investigation and bereavement support. Individual assessment, evidence-informed treatment and clear urgent-care guidance support safe, respectful decisions.
References and further reading
These official resources provide further guidance relevant to stillbirth. Recommendations can change, and local professional advice should guide individual care.
OUR REVIEW PROMISE
Evidence-based, clearly reviewed.
Healthier Baby Today articles are reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
