Stillbirths: economic and psychosocial consequences

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Public Health
• Societal Impact of Stillbirth

Background:

• Stillbirth is a frequent event with significant, yet underappreciated, consequences.
• The implications extend beyond parents to families, healthcare providers, and society globally.
• Existing data on the economic and emotional burden of stillbirth is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze data on the multifaceted effects of stillbirth.
• To establish the comprehensive impact of stillbirth on various stakeholders.
• To inform strategies for stillbirth prevention and morbidity reduction.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive, systematic literature reviews.
• New analyses of published and unpublished data.
• Examination of direct, indirect, and intangible costs associated with stillbirth.

Main Results:

• Stillbirth incurs greater healthcare resource needs than livebirth, including perinatal care and subsequent pregnancy surveillance.
• Indirect and intangible costs, primarily borne by families, are extensive.
• Parental mental health is negatively affected, but empathic care and interventions can mitigate these effects.

Conclusions:

• The economic and emotional toll of stillbirth on families, communities, and society is substantial.
• Recognizing the value of the baby and the associated costs is crucial for prevention efforts.
• Empathic care and tailored interventions are vital for supporting parents and reducing negative outcomes.