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Stillbirth

Stillbirth

Definition:

A stillbirth is when a fetus that was expected to survive dies during birth or during the late stages of pregnancy.

See also: Miscarriage

Information:

Stillbirth can be caused by the following:

  • Birth defects
  • Illnesses
  • Infections
  • Injuries
  • 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)
Review Date: 8/17/2007
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hosptial, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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