What Are the Chances My Baby Will Be Stillborn or Die Soon After Birth?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of anticipation for the arrival of your little one. However, it can also bring concerns and anxiety, particularly regarding the health and well-being of your baby. One of the most distressing fears that many expectant parents face is the possibility of stillbirth or the death of their baby shortly after birth. These concerns can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting, leaving parents-to-be grappling with uncertainty and fear.

This article aims to provide information on the chances of stillbirth and neonatal death, the key risk factors, and the steps you can take to safeguard your baby’s health during pregnancy. By focusing on antenatal care and the various measures you can take to ensure the best outcome, we hope to give you clarity and peace of mind during your pregnancy journey.

What is Stillbirth and Neonatal Death?

Before delving into the risks and chances of stillbirth or neonatal death, it’s important to understand the definitions of these terms:

Stillbirth refers to the death of a baby before or during delivery after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth can happen during any stage of pregnancy, although the risks are higher in the later stages.

Neonatal death refers to the death of a baby within the first 28 days after birth, often as a result of complications during birth or due to medical conditions that arise shortly after birth.

It’s essential to note that while the fear of stillbirth or neonatal death is very real for many expectant parents, these occurrences are relatively rare. Still, it is crucial to understand the risk factors and preventive measures to ensure the healthiest pregnancy and birth possible.

What Are the Chances of Stillbirth or Neonatal Death?

The chances of stillbirth or neonatal death are influenced by a variety of factors. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), stillbirth rates have been steadily declining over the past decades, thanks to improved prenatal care, medical advancements, and better access to healthcare.

Stillbirth rates: In the UK, the stillbirth rate is around 1 in 250 pregnancies, although this can vary depending on the mother’s health, age, and pregnancy conditions. While this number is relatively low, stillbirths remain a major concern for many expectant parents.

Neonatal death rates: Neonatal death rates are also declining. The neonatal mortality rate in the UK is around 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. While this number is low, any death in the early stages of life is devastating for parents.

While the overall statistics are reassuring, it is important to note that certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of stillbirth or neonatal death. These include maternal age, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle factors, and complications during pregnancy.

Risk Factors for Stillbirth and Neonatal Death

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of stillbirth or neonatal death. While many of these factors are not preventable, it is essential to manage them effectively with the help of antenatal care. Some of the most significant risk factors include:

Maternal Age: Women who are either very young (under 17) or older (over 35) may be at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, including stillbirth or neonatal death.

Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or obesity can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including preterm birth and stillbirth.

Infections: Some infections during pregnancy, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can increase the risk of stillbirth or complications that lead to neonatal death.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death. These lifestyle factors can contribute to placental problems, which can affect the baby’s health.

Multiple Pregnancies: Twins, triplets, and other multiple pregnancies come with a higher risk of premature birth and complications that could lead to stillbirth.

Placental Problems: Conditions such as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall) or placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) can increase the likelihood of stillbirth.

Fetal Growth Restriction: If a baby is not growing at the expected rate in the womb, it can lead to complications that may increase the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death.

Preterm Labour: Babies born prematurely, especially those born very early (before 28 weeks), have a higher risk of dying soon after birth due to complications related to their underdeveloped organs.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Reducing Risks

While certain risk factors cannot be avoided, antenatal care plays a significant role in reducing the likelihood of stillbirth and neonatal death. Regular antenatal appointments and antenatal scans allow healthcare providers to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby. Early identification of complications can lead to timely interventions, which can save lives.

Key aspects of antenatal care that help reduce risks include:

Monitoring Your Health: Regular visits to your GP or midwife for antenatal checkups allow healthcare providers to monitor your blood pressure, glucose levels, and overall health. Early detection of conditions like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia can help manage these risks.

Fetal Monitoring: During antenatal scans, your doctor can assess the baby’s growth, detect any abnormalities, and determine the position of the baby and placenta. This helps detect any signs of fetal distress or growth restriction early on.

Addressing Infections: Regular screenings for infections, such as UTIs, can help prevent conditions that might increase the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death. Early treatment of infections is crucial to managing risks.

Lifestyle Advice: During antenatal appointments, healthcare providers offer advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes guidance on nutrition, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

By attending regular antenatal checkups, expecting parents can ensure that they are doing everything possible to reduce the risks associated with stillbirth and neonatal death.

How Yoga During Pregnancy Can Help

Antenatal yoga and other forms of prenatal fitness are beneficial for both physical and mental health during pregnancy. Yoga during pregnancy can improve circulation, reduce stress, and increase strength and flexibility. These benefits help promote a healthy pregnancy and can support the prevention of complications that could increase the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death.

Stress Reduction: High levels of stress can contribute to complications such as preterm labour or growth restrictions. Yoga for pregnancy helps to reduce stress through deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

Improved Circulation: Prenatal yoga helps improve blood flow, which is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby.

Strengthening Muscles: Certain yoga poses help to strengthen muscles that will be used during labour and delivery, preparing the body for childbirth.

Pregnancy yoga classes are often offered in many communities, so expectant parents should look for antenatal yoga classes or pregnancy yoga classes in their area. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise programme.

Prenatal Massage and Relaxation During Pregnancy

Prenatal massage or antenatal massage is another supportive practice that can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage benefits include improved circulation, reduced swelling, and relaxation of tense muscles. This can reduce stress levels and help promote a sense of calm, which is essential for overall health.

Relaxation during pregnancy is crucial for preventing complications like high blood pressure and preterm labour. Prenatal massage can be a wonderful way to support relaxation, manage anxiety, and address the physical discomforts of pregnancy.

What You Can Do to Lower the Risk

Aside from attending regular antenatal checkups and following medical advice, there are several steps you can take to lower the risk of stillbirth or neonatal death:

Attend Regular Antenatal Appointments: Stay on top of your antenatal care and attend all recommended checkups and scans. This will help you catch any potential problems early.

Stop Smoking and Avoid Alcohol: If you smoke, quit, and avoid alcohol and drugs throughout your pregnancy.

Monitor Your Baby’s Movements: After around 24 weeks of pregnancy, you should start monitoring your baby’s movements. A decrease in movement can be a sign of distress and should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, helps promote the health of both you and your baby.

Stay Active: Engage in regular antenatal fitness activities like walking, swimming, or yoga, but always consult your doctor before starting new exercise programmes.

Conclusion

While the fear of stillbirth or neonatal death is valid, it is essential to remember that these events are rare, and there are many steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. Regular antenatal care, a healthy lifestyle, and emotional support can help mitigate the risks associated with stillbirth and neonatal death.

By attending your antenatal appointments, taking part in antenatal yoga, and following your doctor’s advice, you can help create the best possible environment for your baby’s growth and development. Pregnancy can be a time of both joy and anxiety, but with the right support and care, you can feel empowered and informed as you await your baby’s arrival.