Stillbirth

Delivery of a dead fetus after the 24th week of pregnancy. The cause is unknown in many cases. Some stillborn babies have severe malformations, such as anencephaly, spina bifida, or hydrocephalus. Other possible causes include a maternal disorder, such as antepartum haemorrhage or hypertension, or severe Rhesus incompatibility. The risk of stillbirth is increased if the mother has a severe infection during pregnancy.