1)	What is "stillbirth"?
	Stillbirth is defined as the intrauterine death and subsequent delivery of a developing infant that occurs beyond 20 completed weeks of gestation. (A loss prior to 20 weeks is termed a miscarriage or "pregnancy loss".) Top

2)	What is S.A.D.S.?
	SADS is an acronym for "Sudden Antenatal Death Syndrome" a clinical term for "stillbirth". Similar sounding to "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" SADS claims over 10 times as many babies' every year as does SIDS. Top

3)	How common is stillbirth?
	An estimated 26,000 SADS deaths occur annually in the U. S., many of them at or near full term. Stated another way, 1 in every 115 deliveries is a "still" baby. Despite advances in so many areas of obstetrics, the incidence of stillbirths in many states has been rising in over the past decade. Top

4)	What causes stillbirth?
	Data collection on stillbirth is often inconsistent from state to state, however, it is believed that 1 in 3 stillbirths are caused by cord accidents, infections, genetic anomalies, maternal diabetes, and placental failures of varying kinds. Two-thirds of stillborn babies, including many that undergo a post-mortem evaluation, are diagnosed as having died for "undetermined or unknown" reasons. It is not uncommon that autopsies fail to reveal the cause or causes of these mysterious deaths! Top

5)	Are stillbirths predictable?
	High-risk pregnancies predisposed to intrauterine death or pre-term birth can be identified in cases where congenital anomalies or cord entanglements are the cause. Stillbirths that occur at or near full term are often only discovered during a late prenatal exam, or in some cases during labor. Top

6)	Are stillbirths preventable?
	Stillbirths are as random as raindrops, occurring for no apparent cause even in the case of mothers who lead a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Most late and full term stillborn babies are born to mothers who experienced no problems with their pregnancy, who were healthy, and who led substance-free lifestyles. Rarely is a stillbirth caused by something the mother did. Until better data is available, and until autopsies are routinely offered to all stillbirth families, the causes, and thus, any new risk reduction measures, will continue to elude doctors. Top

7)	Does a tendency to stillbirths run in families?
	There is no evidence to show stillbirth is an inherited condition. However, since the occurrence of stillbirth is so high in the general population - 1 in every 115 deliveries is a "still" baby - it is not unusual for several related women in a family to have experienced stillbirths. Top

8)	Is a woman who experiences a stillbirth at risk of future stillbirths?
	All women who conceive are at risk of experiencing stillbirth. In this sense it can be said stillbirth is "an equal opportunity destroyer of dreams." But the record shows that about 97% of the time, subsequent pregnancies result in healthy, live babies. Top

9)	How is a stillborn baby delivered?
	Mothers of stillborn babies must undergo the same physiological processes, as do live birth mothers. The preferred method is vaginal delivery. Even under ideal conditions, a caesarean section is a high-risk procedure for the mother and is only used when the baby would be at risk during a vaginal birth. In the case of a stillborn, that risk is no longer a consideration and thus the health and safety of the mother is paramount. Top

10)	Can a mother have time with her stillborn baby after delivery?
	She absolutely can and we encourage it! Most hospitals will bathe and dress her baby and then encourage not just the mother, but also the father and other family members present at the birth to hold and caress the baby. Likewise, surviving siblings should have a chance to meet and say goodbye to their newborn brother or sister, too. Mothers who declined this chance to bond with their baby have invariably told us that they regretted the decision they made at the time. Their baby has been a part of their family life for almost a year and the need to say goodbye is very real. Top

11)	What about taking pictures?
	For many families, pictures taken holding their baby are later cherished as a memento of a sad, but significant, time in their life. Even taking photos with siblings and family members holding the baby is helpful to most families. Some may think it sounds ghoulish to photograph the baby but there will be no other chance than now. Other family members who die leave behind photos and so too should our babies. Hospitals routinely take photos and hold them until asked for them by the family. Consider a close up photo of your baby's hand in yours as a beautiful memento that can be comfortably shared with family and friends. Top

12)	Can a stillborn baby be an organ donor?
	In some cases, near or full term stillborn babies can be organ (heart valve) or tissue donors. Parents who permit their baby to be a donor often draw comfort from the thought that a part of their baby might live on. Donation is also the only hope for life for other parents with a critically ill infant. Most hospitals are required by law to request donations. Rather than being insensitive they are merely trying to assist the living. For information search "Donor Network" + the name of your state on the web. Top

13)	Should an autopsy be performed?
	Personal and cultural values hold sway here, however, from a medical view it is essential to determine why a baby died, especially in the case where a couple may have future pregnancies. Unfortunately, only about one-third of all stillbirths can be linked to a specific cause, even after an autopsy. More research is needed into the cause or causes of stillbirths and having autopsy results available can help doctors searching for answers. Top

14)	Will parents receive a birth certificate for their baby?
	Until recently the answer was no. Then in 2001 Arizona became the first state to issue a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. Enacted into law during the 2001 Session at the behest of The MISS Foundation, other states are considering this change. The National Stillbirth Society has joined MISS in promoting state-by-state adoption of this landmark legislation. (Utah and Indiana now have such a law too.) Top

15)	Is it customary to have a funeral for a stillborn baby?
	Yes, in fact state laws assign parents responsibility for "disposition" of their stillborn child's remains, either by burial or cremation. (Some states permit mothers who experience a miscarriage to bury the fetus.) Top
16)	Where can one find support groups?
	Your doctor and hospital grief counselor will be familiar with resources. The Internet is also an excellent source for finding support groups. We suggest that parents start by looking at the MISS Foundation website. Founded in 1996 by Joanne Cacciatore, a stillbirth mother, the MISS website has grown to be one of the largest and most respected sites on the Internet. Joanne has also written a book, "Dear Cheyenne, A Journey Through Grief." It's an account of her first days, weeks and months following her daughter's death. Top
17)	Should one talk about the baby with the parents?
	Most mothers want you to, but ask first to be certain they're ready. Asking permission allows the family to make the decision. If they do wish to talk, listen patiently and be empathic. If they're not ready to talk now, then be there when they are, and let them know you'll be ready to listen then. Top
18)	What can one say to a mother who has suffered a stillbirth?
	"I am sorry," works. "I can't imagine what you are going through," is an appropriate and accurate response. Anything that validates what the family is experiencing is acceptable. What doesn't work is the panoply of platitudes one hears so often. Avoid, "It was meant to be." "You're young, you can have another." "Your baby is in a better place." "It's not like you had time to love him." If in doubt, its best to say nothing and just be there for them. Sometimes just to hold another's hand speaks volumes. A hug is good too. Top
19)	Is it proper to send flowers?
	Once again the answer is a matter of personal choice. As an alternative way to express their sorrow some have chosen to make donations in the name of the baby to a stillbirth prevention cause. The Missing Angel Foundation is a frequent recipient of such donations and will list them on its website along with the name of the deceased child in whose memory the donation is made. Top
20)	What is the Missing Angel Foundation?
	The Missing Angel Foundation is a 501.C.3 charitable organization that operates a memorial website for grieving parents who have suffered the loss of a child of any age from any cause. It supports The National Stillbirth Society and provides funding for our operations. In addition it provides grants to the MISS Foundation and similar organizations that provide compassionate grief support to stillbirth parents. Top
21)	Who founded The National Stillbirth Society?
	The National Stillbirth Society was founded by Arizona resident Richard K. Olsen, a stillbirth father. It's a non-profit membership-based organization created to "educate and agitate" for stillbirth research and reform. . Top
22)	How can I Join The National Stillbirth Society?
	Membership is open to anyone who wants to enlist in the fight against stillbirth. Simply download, print and mail in the Membership Application available here as a pdf document with a $35 check for your first year's dues. (Sorry, we're not able to take credit cards online just yet.) When we receive your application we'll send you a Membership Card with our gift of a sliver "Missing Angel Pin". The pin is the emblem of our Society and is crafted especially for us by Mexican artisans. It's a $20 value and our gift to you for becoming a member. We encourage you to wear it as a symbol of your love and caring for all stillborn babies. Top

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