The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
myClipboard
myClipboard
Save news, events, articles and doctor's information to your personal clipboard for later reference.
Add items by clicking the 
button.
Create an account
Centers of Excellence
-
-
We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
-
The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
-
Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
-
The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
Share
Print
Stillbirth
Definition
A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the last half of pregnancy.
See also: Miscarriage
Alternative Names
Fetal death
Information
Stillbirth is becoming less common as care for pregnancy improves. If you have a stillbirth, your medical provider may request to carefully examine and test the fetus to determine the cause of stillbirth. This may help plan medical care for any future pregnancies. A full autopsy will be offered. You may decline this option if you wish.
Stillbirth can be caused by:
- Birth defects
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Infection, in the mother or the fetus
- Injuries
- Medical conditions of the mother, such as diabetes, epilepsy, and hypertention
- 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)
In about 25 - 35% of stillbirths, no explanation can be found.
Stillbirth is traumatic for the mother and her family. It is associated with grief and an increased risk for postpartum depression.
References
Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al. Diseases and injuries of the fetus and newborn. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005: chap 29.
Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Churchill Livingstone; 2007.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).