What is a still-born baby?

A stillborn baby is a baby who is born dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is a tragic event that can be very difficult for parents to come to terms with. There are many reasons why a baby may be stillborn, including:

* Placental abruption: This is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born. This can cause the baby to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to death.

* Umbilical cord problems: These can include knots in the umbilical cord, compression of the cord, or a prolapsed cord. These problems can also cause the baby to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients.

* Birth defects: Some birth defects can be fatal and cause a baby to be stillborn.

* Infections: Some infections, such as toxoplasmosis and rubella, can cross the placenta and infect the baby, which can lead to death.

* Maternal health problems: Certain maternal health problems, such as preeclampsia and diabetes, can increase the risk of stillbirth.

Stillbirth is a rare occurrence, but it can be a devastating one for parents. If you have lost a baby to stillbirth, there are resources available to help you cope with your grief.