Evaluation of Stillbirth

Jessica M Page1

  • 1Maternal Fetal Medicine, Intermountain Health, 5121 S Cottonwood Street, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107, USA; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, 5121 South Cottonwood Street Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|February 18, 2026
PubMed

Stillbirth remains a significant and poorly understood pregnancy complication in the United States. Despite medical advancements, the US stillbirth rate exceeds that of other high-income countries. A key challenge is the high proportion of unexplained cases, which hinders prevention efforts. However, systematic evaluation can significantly reduce unexplained stillbirths. Identifying causes is crucial for families and health care providers, aiding in grief processing, future pregnancy planning and stillbirth prevention efforts. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have developed guidelines to assist clinicians, but adherence to recommended tests, particularly fetal autopsy, is lacking.

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