When my husband and I were going into our second pregnancy, I had heard of babies being born still but I was naïve to thinking that it could happen to our family. After we unexpectedly lost our son on March 9, 2021 I had many more questions about why still birth happens and what signs I may have missed to prevent it.
What is the meaning of "stillbirth" and "stillborn"?
How many babies are born still?
Why does stillbirth happen?
What are the warning signs of a stillbirth?
What can cause decreased baby movement in pregnancy?
Do babies have decreased movement because they run out of room?
What prevents stillbirth?
Why do stillborn babies look different?
Will I be considered high-risk after having a stillborn baby?
What is the meaning of "stillbirth" and "stillborn"?
Stillbirth is the delivery, after the 20th week of pregnancy, of a baby who has died in the mother's womb. Stillborn is defined as an infant who has been born dead.
How many babies are born still?
1 in 200 pregnancies deliver babies that are born still.
Why does stillbirth happen?
1/3 of stillbirths have unexplained causes - this was the case for our son Noah.
2/3 of stillbirths may be linked back to causes with the umbilical cord, placenta, infections, birth defects, medical complications with the mother, or preeclampsia.
What are the warning signs of a stillbirth?
The most common warning sign of stillbirth is that you stop feeling your baby moving and kicking. However, some mothers experience pain, cramps, or bleeding.
What can cause decreased baby movement in pregnancy?
Low amniotic fluid. placenta problems like anterior placenta, early gestation, umbilical cord, and obesity are just a few reasons why movement may decrease in pregnancy. Ask your doctor for a nonstress test to evaluate your baby's heart rate and movements.
Do babies have decreased movement because they run out of room?
Absolutely, not! This is the biggest myth and it continues to circulate even amongst health care professionals which is frightening. Babies DO NOT and SHOULD NOT stop moving because they have "run out of room" close to labor. Your baby should be just as active in the third trimester as they were in the second trimester.
What prevents stillbirth?
Kick counts are a good way to consistently monitor your baby's movements. If you notice a day when movements drop off, don't wait for a next day appointment at your OBGYN, go to the nearest hospital immediately to check on your baby.
Why do stillborn babies look different?
When a baby's heart stops beating the body starts going through different stages. Depending on when the baby dies in the womb and when the baby is born will determine the baby's appearance after birth. Stillborn babies may have peeled skin, look bruised, and have dark looking lips. Many babies that are stillborn look like they are peacefully sleeping.
Will I be considered high-risk after having a stillborn baby?
Yes. Your future pregnancies will be considered high-risk after you have a stillborn baby. Your OBGYN will most likely refer you to a Maternal Fetal Specialist for close monitoring during the duration of your next pregnancies. Your ultrasounds will be more in-depth and your appointments will be more frequent. The specialists have much more education on high-risk patients and better technology to identify potential problems earlier in the pregnancy.
Mother of Wilde creates stillborn memorials for parents who have lost a child. They started their company in July 2021, after their son, Noah Wilde Rooney, was unexpectedly still born at 35 weeks. Mother of Wilde provides the special gift of remembrance portraits to parents experiencing the death of a baby. Their personalized loss prints offer families a special way to commemorate the memory of their stillborn child. Their prints aid in your healing, bring hope to your future, and honor your precious baby.