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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.

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