24 April 2027
If a woman's baby dies before labour starts, she will usually be offered medicine to help induce labour.
If your baby has died, you may be able to wait for labour to start naturally or your labour may be induced. If your health is at risk, the baby may need to be delivered as soon as possible.
Some parents want to have the induction as soon as possible. Others prefer to wait for a day or two so that they have time to take in what has happened and to see if labour starts by itself.
Waiting for natural labour increases the chance of the baby deteriorating in the womb. This can affect how the baby looks when she or he is born and can make it more difficult to find out what caused the death.
Finding out your baby has died is devastating. You should be offered support and have your options explained to you. If you're alone in hospital, ask the staff to contact someone close to you to come in and be with you.
Before the birth, a person with skills and experience with parents who have lost a baby should be available to talk with you about whether you would like to see a photograph of your baby, have a memento such as a lock of hair, or see or hold your baby.
A baby may have died during late pregnancy (called intrauterine death). Or, a baby may have died during labour or birth (called intrapartum death).
What happens after a baby is stillborn?
Your midwife or doctor should ask you if you would like to see, touch or hold your baby. This is a highly individual decision. Many parents decide to see and hold their baby, and most find it of help and comfort to do so, but, equally, some may not. It's up to you to decide what to do, and you should be given time and space to make up your mind.
Your instincts may be to see and cuddle your baby, but worries about what he or she may look like could hold you back. To help you to decide what is right for you, your midwife or doctor can describe your baby to you. Maybe one partner could look first, or you and your partner could look at a photograph of your baby. Some people know instinctively that they don't want to see their baby, while others choose to or not to for religious or cultural reasons.
After a stillbirth, many parents want to see and hold their baby. It's entirely up to you whether you wish to do so. You'll be given some quiet time with your baby if this is what you want.
The important thing is to take time over your decision, and be sure about how and when you want to say goodbye to your baby. Whatever you decide about the post mortem, your views and wishes should be respected. If you go ahead, your doctor should tell you when the results are likely to be available.
Some of the possible causes of stillbirth include the following.
Congenital abnormalities — such as a genetic condition or heart condition.
A medical condition in the mother — such as diabetes, high blood pressure in pregnancy or pre-eclampsia.
Problems that can cause bleeding during pregnancy— such as placental abruption or placenta praevia.
Complications during birth.
Certain infections.
Problems with the umbilical cord or placenta.
Major injury or trauma to the mother's abdomen (the tummy area).
Grieving the loss of a baby is a very traumatic experience. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, including shock, disbelief, deep sadness, anger and emptiness. There’s no right or wrong way to feel and it's okay for you to take as much time as you need.
The care and support you receive during this time should consider your beliefs and practices. Your preferences and values should be respected.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/what-is-a-stillbirth
