Stillbirths in the US exceed previous estimates: Study finds many occur with no clinical risk factors

A new study reveals that stillbirths occur at a higher rate in the U.S. than previously reported, according to researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General Brigham.

The study, which analyzed data across multiple institutions, found that many stillbirths occur without any known clinical risk factors. This challenges the conventional understanding of stillbirths, which were often associated with identifiable risks such as maternal health conditions, infections, or placental issues.

Stillbirth, defined as the death of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy but before birth, affects thousands of families each year. The study's higher estimates suggest that the problem might be more prevalent than health officials have recognized, potentially due to underreporting or data gaps.

The researchers are calling for updated surveillance systems and further investigation into the causes of stillbirths, especially those without known risk factors. They hope that better understanding will lead to prevention strategies and support for affected families.

Read the full story at MedicalXpress.