Probability of Stillbirth

Stillbirth, defined as fetal death at 20 weeks or more of gestation, affects approximately 1 in 175 pregnancies in the United States, or about 21,000 families each year. This is roughly 10 times the number of SIDS deaths and receives comparatively less public health attention and research funding.

Risk factors for stillbirth include advanced maternal age (over 35), obesity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, previous stillbirth, multiple pregnancy, and being Black (Black women have more than double the stillbirth rate of white women). In many cases (25-60%), the cause of stillbirth remains unexplained even after investigation.

Known causes include placental problems (the most common identified cause), birth defects and genetic abnormalities, poor fetal growth, infections, and umbilical cord problems. Fetal kick counting (awareness of fetal movement patterns) and regular prenatal care can help identify at-risk pregnancies. Sleeping on your side (particularly the left side) in the third trimester has been associated with reduced stillbirth risk.