The thought of losing a baby during pregnancy can be an overwhelming fear, however we hope that by your increasing knowledge and awareness you may feel better equipped to discuss possible stillbirth risks with your doctor or other health professional.

Can Stillbirth be prevented?

It is still unclear whether stillbirth can be prevented. However, there are some things women can do to try and ensure the best possible outcome for the baby. These steps can be taken from before the baby is conceived up until labour.

How can I ensure the best possible outcome for baby?

We urge all mothers to stay healthy during pregnancy to avoid possible complications for their unborn child. This includes implementing common-sense measures such as managing weight, and avoiding alcohol, smoking and drug-taking during pregnancy.

Some other potential measures, as outlined in a recent series on stillbirth published in leading medical journal The Lancet are:

• Ensuring a healthy lifestyle and adequate folic acid intake prior to conception
• Attending all regular antenatal appointments
• Having an ultrasound in early pregnancy
• Screening for fetal growth restriction and pregnancy risks
• Supplementing a healthy diet with folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin supplements
• Management of diabetes and hypertension prior to conception and during pregnancy
• Inducing post-term pregnancies as well as consideration of planned caesareans for babies in breech presentation
• Monitoring baby movement through kick counting, especially in the third trimester.

Unfortunately, in some cases the reason for a baby being stillborn during an otherwise healthy pregnancy may never be known.  We are still unclear on all the reasons why stillbirth can occur, which is why more research is needed to determine what other factors may be involved to help predict and prevent stillbirth.