How Common is Stillbirth in the UK?

Stillbirth is one of the most heartbreaking experiences an expectant family can face. Defined as the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy but before birth, stillbirth can leave parents feeling devastated, confused, and anxious about future pregnancies. While advancements in antenatal care have led to reductions in the rates of stillbirth, it remains a serious issue that impacts many families every year.

This article explores how common stillbirth is in the UK, what factors contribute to it, and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. We will also look at how parents can manage the anxiety surrounding stillbirth and how important antenatal care, including prenatal care, antenatal appointments, and services like antenatal yoga and antenatal checkups, can play a key role in improving pregnancy outcomes.

Understanding Stillbirth

In the UK, stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby after 24 weeks of gestation. Before 24 weeks, the loss is classified as a miscarriage. For expectant parents, stillbirth represents a tragic end to what is often a period of joy and anticipation.

Stillbirth is classified into two main categories:

Early stillbirth: When a baby dies between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation.

Late stillbirth: When a baby dies after 32 weeks but before birth.

How Common is Stillbirth in the UK?

Stillbirth rates have been falling in the UK, but it remains a significant issue. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in 2021, the stillbirth rate in England and Wales was 3.8 per 1,000 births, which represents a decrease from previous years. While this may sound like a small number, it still means that around 2,700 families experienced the loss of a baby through stillbirth that year.

When compared to other high-income countries, the UK’s stillbirth rate remains higher than some. Factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle can all contribute to this statistic.

International Comparisons

The UK’s stillbirth rate is lower than some countries but higher than others. Countries like the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark have lower rates of stillbirth, often attributed to more robust antenatal care systems and interventions. For instance, Finland’s stillbirth rate is as low as 2.1 per 1,000 births, suggesting room for improvement in the UK system.

Factors Contributing to Stillbirth

There is no single cause of stillbirth, and often, the exact reason is not known. However, some common risk factors have been identified:

1. Maternal Health Conditions

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can increase the risk of stillbirth. Ensuring good control of these conditions through regular antenatal checkups can help reduce risks.

Conditions like preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure) are strongly associated with stillbirth, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and substance misuse during pregnancy can significantly raise the risk of stillbirth.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise like antenatal yoga or other forms of antenatal fitness, can help improve overall pregnancy health.

3. Maternal Age

Women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with this risk increasing for women in their 40s.

Older women are also more likely to have complications such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

4. Infections

Certain infections, such as Group B Streptococcus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and listeria, can lead to stillbirth if left untreated. Regular antenatal clinic visits can help detect and manage these risks early.

5. Placental Issues

Problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus wall) or placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix), can prevent the baby from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to stillbirth.

Preventing Stillbirth: The Role of Antenatal Care

High-quality antenatal care is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of stillbirth. Regular antenatal appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor the health of both mother and baby, identify potential risk factors early, and intervene if necessary.

1. Monitoring Fetal Movements

Expectant mothers are often encouraged to keep track of their baby’s movements, particularly in the third trimester. A reduction in fetal movements can be a sign that the baby is in distress and may require immediate medical attention.

The Kicks Count campaign in the UK has been highly effective in raising awareness about the importance of tracking fetal movements.

2. Antenatal Scans

Regular antenatal scans play a critical role in identifying any problems with the baby’s growth or development. Issues such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be detected early, allowing healthcare providers to take steps to address the issue.

Early detection of complications can lead to decisions about early delivery if it’s deemed necessary for the baby’s health.

3. Antenatal Education

Attending antenatal classes near me or other educational resources can equip parents with knowledge about the warning signs of pregnancy complications, how to monitor fetal health, and the steps to take if something seems wrong.

These classes also provide valuable emotional support, helping parents feel more empowered throughout the pregnancy.

4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Engaging in gentle exercise, such as prenatal yoga or yoga during pregnancy, can help improve circulation, reduce stress, and contribute to better pregnancy outcomes.

Antenatal massage or pregnancy massage benefits can also help reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting relaxation and well-being during pregnancy.

Emotional Impact and Coping with Stillbirth

The loss of a baby through stillbirth can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. For parents, it can lead to a mix of emotions, including grief, anger, guilt, and fear. The psychological impact of stillbirth cannot be underestimated, and it’s important for families to receive the right support during this difficult time.

1. Bereavement Support

Many hospitals in the UK provide access to bereavement midwives, who are specially trained to support families through the process of loss. They can offer emotional support and provide practical information on what to expect during labour and delivery.

Charities such as Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) offer resources, counselling services, and support groups for parents who have experienced stillbirth.

2. Antenatal Support for Future Pregnancies

The fear of another stillbirth can weigh heavily on parents who go on to have another pregnancy, often referred to as a “rainbow baby.” Specialised antenatal care and additional antenatal appointments can help alleviate some of these anxieties by closely monitoring the health of both mother and baby.

Antenatal clinics often provide additional scans, checks, and emotional support to help reassure parents during subsequent pregnancies.

Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?

Reducing the stillbirth rate in the UK requires a multi-faceted approach, involving government policy, healthcare systems, and individual actions. Some of the most effective ways to continue reducing stillbirth rates include:

Improving Access to Antenatal Care

Ensuring that all pregnant women have access to high-quality antenatal appointments and pregnancy clinic visits is essential for early detection of complications.

Public Health Campaigns

Campaigns like Kicks Count that raise awareness about fetal movements have been successful in empowering mothers to recognise potential problems early. Continued public education on lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation and healthy weight gain is also critical.

Research and Innovation

Continued research into the causes of stillbirth, particularly placental issues and maternal health conditions, is essential for developing new interventions and improving outcomes.

The introduction of more sophisticated monitoring techniques, such as better antenatal scans, can help identify potential problems earlier.

Conclusion

While the stillbirth rate in the UK has been declining, it remains a serious issue that impacts thousands of families each year. Regular and attentive antenatal care, from monitoring fetal movements to attending antenatal education sessions, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of stillbirth. Furthermore, emotional and practical support services for families who experience stillbirth can help them navigate the devastating emotional toll.

By continuing to focus on education, early detection, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of stillbirths further, giving families the support they need and promoting healthier pregnancy outcomes.