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Stillbirth: prevention and supportive bereavement care
Bethany Atkins1,2, Lindsay Kindinger3,4, Muhammad Pradhiki Mahindra1
1Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
BMJ Medicine
|August 11, 2023
Summary
Approximately half of the two million annual stillbirths are preventable through improved maternal care and specific interventions. Enhanced bereavement care and healthcare provider training are crucial for supporting parents after stillbirth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Globally, two million stillbirths occur annually, with a significant proportion being preventable.
- General maternal health interventions like antenatal care reduce stillbirth risk.
- Emerging risk factors include COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, particularly in unvaccinated individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on stillbirth prevention strategies.
- To highlight specific areas of care impacting stillbirth risk.
- To emphasize the importance of quality bereavement care and staff training.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of up-to-date scientific evidence.
- Focus on specific interventions: glucose metabolism, aspirin prophylaxis, clotting/immune disorders, sleep position, fetal movement monitoring, and preconception/interconception health.
- Inclusion of recent findings on COVID-19's impact on stillbirth risk.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports interventions in glucose metabolism, aspirin use, managing clotting/immune disorders, safe sleep positions, and fetal movement monitoring for stillbirth prevention.
- COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is a notable risk factor, especially for unvaccinated women.
- Supportive bereavement care, including parental choices and staff training, significantly improves parental well-being.
Conclusions:
- Stillbirth prevention is achievable through targeted interventions and improved maternal healthcare.
- High-quality, compassionate bereavement care and adequate staff training are essential components of stillbirth management.
- Urgent action is needed globally, in both high- and low-resource settings, to implement evidence-based strategies for stillbirth reduction and improved care.
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