This systematic review shows that a large proportion of stillbirths in high-income countries are attributable to risk factors that are fully or partly avoidable.

Brief

To identify priority areas for stillbirth prevention in high-income countries.
Background

In high-income countries, one in every 200 pregnant women reaching 22 weeks’ gestation will have a stillborn baby. Prevention strategies that target risk factors could be important in rate reduction. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to identify priority areas for stillbirth prevention relevant to those countries.

“Stillbirth rates in high-income countries have shown little or no improvement over the past two decades.”
Key takeaways

This systematic review shows that a large proportion of stillbirths in high-income countries are attributable to risk factors that are fully or partly avoidable. The raising of awareness and implementation of effective interventions for modifiable risk factors, such as overweight, obesity, maternal age, and smoking, are priorities for stillbirth prevention in these countries.
Key contributors

Vicki Flenady
Laura Koopmans
Philippa Middleton
J Frederik Frøen
Gordon C Smith
Kristen Gibbons
Michael Coory,
Adrienne Gordon
David Ellwood
Harold David McIntyre
Ruth Fretts
Majid Ezzati
Full report

Access the report findings here: Major risk factors for stillbirth in high-income countries

Major risk factors for stillbirth in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis