Understanding Stillbirth

Stillbirth is the tragic and devastating loss of a baby from 20 weeks' gestation, or 400g body weight if gestation is unknown.

The loss of a baby is heartbreaking and overwhelming. No one wants to imagine this could happen to their pregnancy or baby, but increasing awareness of stillbirth and newborn baby loss can help reduce some risks.

Approximately six babies are stillborn in Australia each day, and First Nations women are statistically more likely to have a stillborn baby. Sometimes the cause is identified afterward, but around 20% of deaths remain unexplained. Known causes can include congenital anomalies, premature birth, perinatal conditions such as placenta detachment, or maternal health issues.

Stillbirth rates have not reduced in Australia over the past two decades, however, emerging evidence is contributing to new public health campaigns such as #SleepOnSide which encourages women to go to sleep on their side from 28 weeks' gestation. For more information on this initiative please visit the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence

Losing a baby affects every parent differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, counselling services are available and can help, when parents feel they are not coping, or need additional support.

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Considerations for parents of stillborn babies

At the time of a stillbirth, parents must make a range of decisions which may include:

How much time they spend with their baby
What activities they wish to be part of, such as bathing or dress their baby
Whether or not an autopsy will be beneficial
Funeral service arrangements
Lactation decisions
What memories and mementos they will capture
Conversations with family members
Financial concerns and decisions about one partner returning to work may arise

Consulting with midwives, doctors and hospital social workers can provide support and guidance with these decisions. They can also assist with registration of the birth, and death of the baby, and completion of paperwork in relation to Centrelink payments and parental leave.

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Impacts of a stillbirth on women and families

High quality bereavement care is critical for women who have experienced a stillbirth and their families.

Parents’ responses to grief and trauma responses can be varied and complex. The impact of losing a baby and adjusting to life thereafter affects virtually every aspect of that person's life. It can affect:

Emotions
Spirituality
Identity
Physical health
Social interactions
Relationships
Sexuality and intimacy
Work
Financial stability
Overall health
Personal care, including diet, exercise, sleep and substance use

Partners can find themselves experiencing grief differently from the baby’s mother and trying to respect each other’s individual expressions of grief can be challenging.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no time limit. Reach out to trusted people for emotional support and allow for reflective time alone as well.

Professional counselling can help couples if they feel their relationship is under strain. Parents may also struggle to explain what is happening to their other children or even their friends or workplace and are encouraged to seek professional support with this, as well as for themselves.

For more information on grief see our fact sheet on bereavement.

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