Prevention of Stillbirth

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Some existing conditions can increase the risk of stillbirth, but treatment may be available to reduce that risk in many cases.

Treatment for women with rhesus factor disease (where the Rh blood groups of the mother and baby do not match) is essential. Without it, if the mother develops antibodies to the Rh positive baby, any subsequent Rh positive babies could be stillborn.

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (also known as â€˜sticky bloodâ€™ or Hughes Syndrome) is very strongly associated with late pregnancy loss. Abnormal blood clotting leads to failure of the placenta, meaning that the baby may be starved of oxygen and nutrients. Specialists can diagnose the condition with a simple blood test, and treatment normally includes medication to thin the blood.

Regular monitoring during pregnancy is essential for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and pre-eclampsia.

Rubella vaccination (ideally at least 3 months before the baby is conceived) will protect against this disease, which can cause stillbirth. Many women do not realise that the immunity provided by a rubella vaccination received during their school years may not be as effective by the time they wish to start a family.

Problems associated with the placenta account for a significant proportion of stillbirths.

Bacterial infections such as those caused by listeria or Group B Strep (GBS) are a recognised cause of some stillbirths and late miscarriages. These can be avoided by following the standard advice regarding diet and lifestyle during pregnancy (see Antenatal care), and in the case of GBS by having antenatal testing and treatment with antibiotics during labour if appropriate.

Obstetric cholestasis is a liver disorder of pregnancy, characterised by extensive itching and jaundice.

Premature rupture of membranes, or premature birth for other reasons, also accounts for many stillbirths. If the cervix opens too early labour is inevitable, a Shirodkar stitch (or suture), helps to keep the cervix closed and prevents labour from starting too early.

These may include:

placenta praevia, where the placenta lies over the entrance to the womb (cervix) during labour, cutting off the blood supply to the baby.
placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches itself too early, resulting again in a lack of fetal blood supply.
intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), where the baby is not growing well in the womb. It is really important to attend all your antenatal appointments, and to report Some research suggests that this condition, if left untreated, may account for up to 5% of unexplained stillbirths.

It is really important to attend all your antenatal appointments, and to report any bleeding, pain or changes in your babyâ€™s activity.