Stillbirth
Definition
A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the late stages of pregnancy.
See also: Miscarriage
Information
Stillbirth can be caused by the following:
- Birth defects
- Illnesses
- Infections
- Injuries
- Sudden severe blood loss (hemorrhage) in the mother or fetus
- Stopping of the heartbeat (cardiac arrest) in the mother or fetus
- Uterine problems (placental detachment, poor placental function, or intrauterine growth restriction)
Review Date:
8/17/2007
Reviewed By:
Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hosptial, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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