Infant Mortality: An Explanation of Incidences, Origin, and Healing Process
The tragic experience of stillbirth is a heart-wrenching reality for many families. Understanding the common causes and risk factors can help in preventing this devastating event.
Common Causes of Stillbirth
The most common causes of stillbirth include complications during pregnancy and labour, issues with the placenta, developmental abnormalities, infections, umbilical cord problems, high blood pressure, and medical conditions in the pregnant person [1][3][5]. Problems with the placenta, such as poor blood flow or placental abruption, are significant contributors. Infections, including bacterial or viral infections that can be transmitted to the baby, also pose a threat. Birth defects, umbilical cord complications, maternal high blood pressure, poor fetal growth, genetic abnormalities, and other maternal health conditions like diabetes and obesity are other common culprits.
Risk Factors in the United States
Certain factors increase the risk of stillbirth in the United States. These include maternal age over 35, chronic maternal health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, smoking during pregnancy or exposure to secondhand smoke, alcohol or drug use during pregnancy, obesity and significant weight gain between pregnancies, a previous history of stillbirth, multiple pregnancies (twins or more), and low socioeconomic status, which can limit access to quality prenatal care [1][2][4]. Smoking is notably one of the largest avoidable causes, as it reduces oxygen delivery to fetal tissues, increasing stillbirth risk and other adverse outcomes.
Prevention and Support
Early detection and management of potential problems are crucial in reducing stillbirth risks. Regular prenatal care is key, and quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and maintaining a moderate weight can significantly lower the risk [1][2]. Discussing a future pregnancy with a healthcare professional and taking appropriate precautions can also reduce the risk of having another stillbirth.
For those who have experienced a stillbirth, support is available. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends joining a peer support group or seeking help from a mental health professional or bereavement counselor to manage grief and depression. Holding and touching the baby, keeping a memento of the baby, and learning more about why it happened can help in the recovery process.
Preventable Stillbirths
An alarming statistic is that 25% of all stillbirths in the U.S. are preventable today, and this figure rises to 47% of stillbirths after 37 weeks of pregnancy [6]. Addressing structural racism could potentially help prevent stillbirth for hundreds of families, as stillbirths occur more commonly among Black and Native American families [6].
Support Organisations
For those dealing with the loss of a baby, organisations such as The Compassionate Friends, Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, International Stillbirth Alliance, First Candle, and Star Legacy Foundation offer support and resources [7].
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542267/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542268/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542269/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542270/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542271/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542272/ [7] https://www.thecompassionatefriends.org/ [7] https://www.sharepregnancyandinfantloss.org/ [7] https://isafe.org/ [7] https://firstcandle.org/ [7] https://www.starlegacyfoundation.org/
Pfizer's health-and-wellness initiatives could potentially contribute to reducing the risk of stillbirth if they include programs focusing on managing hypertension, controlling diabetes, and providing support for quitting smoking, which are associated with a higher risk of stillbirth. Enhancing mental-health services for families experiencing stillbirth can also be an essential part of a comprehensive approach for promoting health and preventing further loss, considering the psychological impacts on families in this challenging situation.
