Stillbirths: What is Important to Know
A stillbirth is the death of a baby on or after 28 weeks of pregnancy, but before or during delivery. It is different from a miscarriage which is the loss of a baby in early pregnancy.
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In most cases, the cause of stillbirth is unknown.
Other causes of stillbirth include;
Labour complications.
Poor health care facilities.
Maternal infections such as malaria, syphilis and HIV.
Maternal conditions especially hypertension, pre-eclampsia and diabetes.
Smaller than usual baby.
Birth defects (Structural or genetic).
Pre-term birth.
Problems with the placenta.
Infections with the baby.
Problems with the umbilical cord such as squeezing therefore cutting off oxygen to the baby.
Maternal consumption of alcohol, smoking, or drugs that interfere with pregnancy.
Postdate pregnancy.
Physical trauma.
Prolonged exposure to x-rays.
Incompatible blood antibodies between the mother and baby.
Research also shows that:
Women of low income, emotional instability and abuse were noticed to have a higher occurrence of stillbirths.
Risk factors include a mother’s age over 35, use of assisted reproductive methods such as IVF, and first pregnancy.
Symptoms.
Stillbirth may be suspected when no baby movement is felt.
Confirmation is by ultrasound scan.
Fresh stillbirth: This is stillbirth occurring less than 24 hours or immediately before delivery and the baby still looks fresh.
Macerated stillbirth: This is a stillbirth that shows skin and tissue changes in the baby, such as darkening, peeling and breakdown. This suggests that the death occurred more than 24 hours before delivery and poses higher risks of infections to the mother.
Treatment.
The treatment is usually to allow spontaneous labour or to induce labour. Caesarean sections are not usually recommended due to risks of generalised infection and blood clotting.
Complications.
– Depression and feelings of blame in the parents.
– Societal victimisation and stigmatisation.
– Infections from decomposing baby in prolonged cases of stillbirth.
Prevention.
– Stillbirths can be prevented by adequate health facilities and staff.
– Prompt treatment of maternal infections and diseases such as malaria, syphilis or pre-eclampsia.
– Regular attendance of antenatal clinic services to ensure early detection of abnormalities.
– Promptly seek medical care when any abnormality is noticed even when it’s not an antenatal visit day.
– Accessing professional health care facilities and staff for antenatal and delivery.
– Maintaining a healthy lifestyle; good nutrition, rest, exercise, taking routine drugs and comfortable clothing.
