What it is
After a stillbirth, parents are offered tests, which may include a post-mortem examination, to help understand why it happened.
Bereavement support, counselling and a plan for care in any future pregnancy are available. Parents can take time with their baby and make choices about what happens next.
Common signs
- The baby moving less or not at all
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Tummy pain
- Waters breaking
How it is usually diagnosed
- Ultrasound scan to check the baby's heartbeat
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Antenatal notes and scan reports
- Post-mortem and placenta reports
- Bereavement and follow-up appointment letters
- Care plan for future pregnancies
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do you know why it happened?
- What support is available for us?
- What care will we have in a future pregnancy?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Your baby moving less than usual, or bleeding or tummy pain in pregnancy: contact the maternity unit now
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.