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What is the difference between stillbirth and miscarriage?
Preventing stillbirth
Signs and symptoms before a stillbirth
Support after a stillbirth
Tommy’s research into stillbirth
Stillbirth is one of the most devastating experiences any family can go through. We are here to support families who are going through this very difficult time.
What is the difference between stillbirth and miscarriage?
When a baby is born at or after 24 weeks of pregnancy showing no signs of life, this is known as a stillbirth. Sadly, it happens in around 3 to 4 in 1000 births in the UK.
The loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy is classed as a miscarriage. We know that many people who have a late miscarriage (between 12-24 weeks of pregnancy) give birth to their baby and, understandably, feel that it should be called a stillbirth. But try to remember that this is just the wording used for legal purposes.
The death of a baby in the first 28 days of life is known as a neonatal death.
Causes of stillbirth
Sadly, it’s not always possible to find out why a baby is stillborn. We know this is so hard to hear when you’re grieving for your baby and want answers.
Sometimes stillbirth is linked to problems with the placenta, the baby’s genes or the mother’s health.
Read more about the causes of stillbirth.
Preventing stillbirth
It’s not always possible to prevent stillbirth. But there are some things you may be able to do to reduce the risk. These include:
Read more about preventing stillbirth.
Signs and symptoms before a stillbirth
Sometimes a baby dies in the womb with no warning signs.
But there are some things to look out for, including a change in your baby’s movements, which can be the first sign that they are unwell. Contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed.
If you feel that something is wrong, or if you are worried about the baby, call your maternity unit or doctor to talk about it. Don't worry if you've talked about it before or think you're wasting anyone's time. This is your pregnancy and it's important to trust your instincts if you feel something isn't right.
Read more about stillbirth signs and symptoms.
Support after a stillbirth
A lot of the supportive information in this section is relevant to all parents suffering from the death of a baby in late pregnancy. But we do also have support and advice specifically about miscarriage if that is more useful for you.
Support from Tommy's
The death of a baby is one of the most devastating experiences any family can go through. We are here to support families who are going through this very difficult time. We have worked with parents who have experienced stillbirth, their families, and professionals who have supported them, to develop supportive information to help parents who have suffered a stillbirth.
If you would like to talk to one of our Tommy’s midwives about stillbirth, they have experience talking about baby loss and will be able to talk to you about what you’re going through. You can call them for free on 0800 0147 800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Tommy’s Midwives also run a specialist helpline specifically for women and birthing people who are of Black and Black-Mixed Heritage if this feels more appropriate.
Talking to other people who have experienced a stillbirth
There is a very supportive online community that brings together parents who have experienced baby loss.
We run a support group on Facebook for those who have suffered miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy, stillbirth, loss after premature birth, neonatal death or termination for medical reasons. You can find out more and join Tommy’s Baby Loss Support Group on Facebook.
When my son was stillborn, I couldn’t find anything to read about the mum’s personal experiences and what to expect... I needed something real, something I could relate to.
Hannah Pontillo
All write movingly about their experiences of loss, life after loss and, in some cases, pregnancy and pregnancy/parenting after loss. Find online communities that support parents who have been through baby loss or preterm birth.
Some people do not feel that online support groups are right for them, and that’s ok too.
Tommy’s research into stillbirth
Our research into the causes of stillbirth is as vital as ever. In all too many cases when a baby is stillborn there is often no obvious cause. These baby’s deaths remain ‘unexplained’, which can be very hard for grieving parents who want to know why their baby has died.
There is still a lack of research into the causes of pregnancy complications and loss, and that is why Tommy’s funds research into the causes of stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.
Read more about Tommy’s stillbirth research.
Stillbirth stories
Stillbirth stories
