Stillbirth
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadness, shock, mourning. In recent years, the number of stillborn babies born in the West has decreased sharply. Yet around one percent of fetuses die during pregnancy or during childbirth.
Why?
The exact cause of the death of the fetus, from the 8th week until birth, is not always known. There may have been problems with the umbilical cord or placenta. For example, the umbilical cord may knot or release the placenta from the uterine wall before the baby is born. In case of excessive blood pressure or poorly treated diabetes, the risk of stillbirth increases.
Stillbirth can also occur if the fetus has a severe hereditary or congenital abnormality. Certain infectious diseases transmitted by the mother to the fetus, such as listeriosis (this bacterium can occur in raw milk soft cheese), are sometimes responsible for maternal fetal death. Sometimes no cause for death can be found at all.
If it goes wrong
A sign indicating possible stillbirth is reduced signs of life. If you notice that the movements get less or stop, do not hesitate to call your obstetrician or doctor. They will listen to the heart of the child and, depending on the duration of pregnancy, take a scan of the heartbeat (CTG) to determine the health of the child. If the CTG shows poor child health, the gynecologist determines the further policy based on the duration of pregnancy and additional factors. Sometimes it appears that the baby has died in the womb. This will be a tragic shock A big question besides the sadness is often: why does this happen? Investigation of the cause of death usually consists of blood tests, sometimes from research into infections, placenta research and, if you allow, from obduction to see if there are indications of congenital abnormalities.
Saying goodbye
For emotional wellbeing, it is very important to say goodbye in your own way. You can name, hold and hug your child and take pictures of it. Although parents are often reluctant to see and hold their stillborn child, most who do so are glad they did. It's good that you see other children and some loved ones as well.
Depending on the duration of pregnancy, a funeral or cremation can also be included - a farewell ceremony can be very comforting. Once at home, you will be confronted with your loss; the baby room that remains empty, reactions from outsiders. And then there's your body in which the hormones circulate, flowing, your breasts preparing for the production of breast milk. For this latter you should wear a tight bra and do not drink too much.
There medicines to inhibit milk production, if necessary, you can ask your doctor about them. About six weeks after childbirth you may have a doctor's appointment. If there are results of research, they will be discussed with you. It may also be that the cause remains unclear.
Back to work
If you have a job, think carefully about the moment you want to start again. It is not uncommon to include the normal maternity and paternity leave of 16 weeks (depending on country and municipality). It's good to discuss this with your employer. In case of problems, contact your GP or hospital healthcare provider.
You may consider going back to work 'on a therapeutic basis': you can decide when and how many hours you work, depending on how you feel physically and mentally. For your partner, it may also be difficult to get back to work. Outright "stopping" work isn't healthy and can cause major problems later.
Getting pregnant again
After a stillbirth, you may feel like getting pregnant as soon as possible. Although medical attention is usually not necessary here, it may be wise to wait a little while for your emotional recovery. Do not underestimate the impact of long-term loss, sometimes physical or psychological complaints can arise. Sadness often returns around certain times, such as at the day of birth, anniversary of death, or the birth of a baby to one of your friends.
Also see these information articles: · Loss · Blighted Ovum · Curettage · Ectopic pregnancy · Loss in pregnancy · Miscarriage · Missed miscarriage · Molar pregnancy · Repeated miscarriages
Related categories (1)
Most read information articles
-
1st trimester (Bloodloss)
Many women suffer from some slight bleeding in early pregnancy. Normally, women who have had slight bleeding in the first trimester have no problems during the further pregnancy. A little blood loss can be normal, but it is sometimes a cause for conc......(135668 x) Read more » -
Stomach cramps
Babies get tummy cramps. They come and go many times. It's no fun for parents either; you can see your little one in pain, the crying doesn't seem to stop, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. Bowel cramps oc......(120685 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy symptoms
It is important during pregnancy to know the difference between normal symptoms and those which should be reported to your midwife or doctor. Below is a list of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Areola around the nipples get ......(85501 x) Read more » -
Mucus plug
During pregnancy, a mucous membrane forms in your uterus. The mucous membrane prevents infections of your uterus. The mucous membrane will remain in place until you give birth. When labour starts, the cervix is stretched and softer. This can c......(65228 x) Read more » -
Empty days (Breastfeeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you will probably wake up early and go to bed late in the early days. Your milk production is not yet set to your baby's demands. Moms often feel uncertain during these "empty" days; baby seems insatiable and y......(63201 x) Read more » -
Feeding
For the first six months, breastfeeding or complete infant formula will usually provide your baby with enough nutrients. The amount of food a baby needs is always different for each child. According to pediatricians, you can use the following guideli......(61461 x) Read more » -
Stillbirth (Loss)
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadn......(57699 x) Read more » -
Development of the foetus
An interactive video of the development of your baby. Slide the sliders to see the growth! The first picture shows the growth from 0 to 8 weeks, the second the growth from 8 to 40 weeks. You may also like this animated gif: ......(57515 x) Read more » -
2nd trimester (Bloodloss)
Occassionaly you may have some blood loss during your second trimester. Common causes include cervical growth or inflammation. Bleeding can pose a threat to both the mother and the unborn child. The most common cause of severe vaginal blood loss duri......(54979 x) Read more » -
Teeth
First teeth Generally, babies get their first teeth between 5 and 9 months. Normally, the first two are bottom incisors, followed by the top two, then the teeth to either side. All eight cutting teeth usually come through when the baby is 8 ......(52327 x) Read more » -
Sleep (Sleep during pregnancy)
During your pregnancy, you may have more difficulty sleeping than usual. A larger abdomen, heartburn, anxiety, back pain and shortness of breath lead to less sleep. You can get frustrated about the lack of good sleep. Yet sleep is very necessary......(51058 x) Read more » -
Checklist baby outfits (Checklists)
When you're pregnant you need to spend a lot of time and money, because the new little addition to your family will need a lot more than you first think! What will you need? Well, print this handy checklist so you don't forget anything! &n......(50493 x) Read more » -
Skin changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy as well as other factors can result in changes to your skin which can include: "Pregnancy glow" You may get a radiant glow over your face. Your face seems to blush because you have more bl......(49914 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy after 35
Women are increasingly choosing to become pregnany at a later age. This has several reasons; work and career, still busy with study or promotion, no suitable partner, financial worries. The average age at which women have their first child increased ......(45876 x) Read more » -
Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up. This little bit of returned is ......(42353 x) Read more » -
Gender of the baby
Dr. Landrum Shettles was a pioneer in fertility techniques. He was involved very early in experiments in which ova could be fertilized in a laboratory. He has also researched for years to influence the sex of babies. He also wrote a book about it, wh......(41759 x) Read more » -
Coughing and choking
It's well known that babies put "everything" in their mouths. They do this to explore their surroundings. Small objects can be dangerous to children (especially young children), the objects may become clogged in the trachea, res......(41321 x) Read more » -
Breasts
Pregnancy and breast changes: During your pregnancy, your breasts are temporarily a little bigger. The following breast changes are normal: The breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive because pregnancy hormones p......(40701 x) Read more » -
Fluid retention (edema)
It's normal for your body to retain excess water during pregnancy. This can be on average 2 to 3 liters. In the last month, especially, this is very noticeable; symptoms include swollen hands, feet and face. Even in warm weather, you will retain ......(40428 x) Read more » -
Clustering (Breastfeeding)
Clustering is a common term within the breastfeeding world. In short, it means that a child wants to drink at a certain time of the day, or sometimes even more often, with you. Sometimes a child wants to be at the breast continuously. It is completel......(40391 x) Read more » -
Conceiving 30 tips
If you want to use a lubricant then use PreSeed. When you are dry the sperm have less chance of swimming up, PreSeed provides a comfortable environment for the sperms to swim through. Eat green leafy vegetables with plenty of folic acid, and thi......(40352 x) Read more » -
Sex (Safety during pregnancy)
Sex during pregnancy Many people worry that having sex during pregnancy will somehow harm or disturb the baby. Although perhaps the mechanics, especially as you get further on in your pregnancy, may prove challenging, there is no reason couples cann......(39011 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy tests
When can you take a pregnancy test? Urine tests can take place one day before the next period starts. Blood tests can be done at 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chori......(38156 x) Read more » -
Jaundice
The cause of the yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes is the substance bilirubin. This substance is released by red blood cell degradation. The baby has much more red blood cells than an adult in the womb. The red blood cells also ......(37682 x) Read more » -
Hypotension (Blood pressure)
Your blood pressure depends on age, weight and health. Average blood pressure is 120/80 (120 over 80). The first number is systolic pressure. This indicates how high the arterial pressure is and when the blood is pumped into the arteries every heart ......(37216 x) Read more » -
Pelvic instability
Experiencing pain in your pelvic region is another symptom of pregnancy and quite normal. Research shows that 50 to 60% of women suffer from pelvic pain or low back pain. Early in pregnancy, hormones make the pelvis more flexible. In addition, the......(37177 x) Read more » -
Vaginal infections (Tests before pregnancy)
Normally the vaginal discharge is whitish or slightly transparent in color and feels slimy and sticky. In pregnancy it is normal that the amount and thickness of the secretions vary greatly. Most women have more discharge than normal during pregnancy......(36672 x) Read more » -
Foreskin (Baby care)
The penis primarily consists of what could be called a stem and an acorn. The "acorn" tip is very sensitive and protected by a thin fold of skin. In some boys this covering is complete, while in other boys the covering is only partial. I......(36482 x) Read more » -
During a twin pregnancy (Twins)
Approximately 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is a twin or multiple pregnancy. Normally during your first ultrasound scan it will be determined whether you are having more than one baby although it may take the entire nine months for you to get over t......(34830 x) Read more »
Related topics