How long does it take to deliver a stillborn baby? Understanding the process

Experiencing a stillbirth is one of the most challenging and emotionally devastating events parents can face. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about stillbirth delivery, helping families understand what to expect during this difficult time while offering support through the process.

Understanding Stillbirth: Definition and Causes

Stillbirth occurs when a baby dies in the uterus after 20 weeks of pregnancy, either before or during delivery. Medical professionals may refer to this as fetal loss or intrauterine fetal demise. While medical terminology helps categorize this loss, each stillbirth represents a deeply personal and significant loss for the affected family.

What is Stillbirth?

Stillbirth specifically describes the delivery of a baby who has died in the womb after reaching at least 20 weeks of gestation, distinguishing it from miscarriage. The condition is classified into three categories:

• Early stillbirth – between 20 and 27 weeks
• Late stillbirth – between 28 and 36 weeks
• Term stillbirth – after 37 weeks

Common Causes of Stillbirth

While approximately one-third of cases remain unexplained, several identified factors can lead to stillbirth:

• Placental complications (25-35% of cases):
  • Placental abruption
  • Placental insufficiency
  • Other placental abnormalities
• Umbilical cord accidents
• Genetic abnormalities
• Maternal health conditions:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Preeclampsia
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
• Fetal growth restriction

The Process of Delivering a Stillborn Baby

After confirming the absence of a fetal heartbeat, healthcare providers work closely with parents to discuss delivery options. Most stillbirths are delivered vaginally, as this typically poses fewer physical risks to the mother. The medical team focuses on both physical safety and emotional wellbeing throughout the process.

How Long Does It Take to Deliver a Stillborn Baby?

The delivery timeline varies based on individual circumstances:

Induced Labor for Stillbirth

The induction process typically involves:

• Administration of medication to soften and dilate the cervix
• Use of oxytocin (Pitocin) to stimulate contractions
• Continuous monitoring and support from medical staff
• Pain management options, including epidurals
• Careful adjustment of medication based on the mother’s response

Alternative Delivery Methods

While vaginal delivery remains the primary approach for stillbirths, certain situations may require or benefit from alternative methods. For pregnancies before 24 weeks gestation, healthcare providers might recommend dilation and evacuation (D&E). This surgical procedure, performed under anesthesia, involves dilating the cervix and removing fetal tissue from the uterus. Though D&E offers a shorter procedure time compared to induced labor, it limits parents’ opportunities for spending time with their baby afterward.

Cesarean sections (C-sections) may be necessary in specific circumstances, particularly when:

• Maternal health concerns are present
• Placental complications exist
• Previous uterine surgery history is noted
• Vaginal delivery poses significant risks

Emotional and Physical Care After Stillbirth

The post-stillbirth journey encompasses both emotional and physical healing aspects. Healthcare providers offer comprehensive care addressing the profound grief while supporting physical recovery from childbirth. Understanding that grief manifests differently for each person helps create a more supportive environment where parents can freely express their feelings and seek answers about their wellbeing.

Emotional Support and Bereavement

• Professional support options:
  • Specialized pregnancy loss counseling
  • Support groups for connecting with others
  • Compassionate care from family and friends
• Self-care practices:
  • Journaling feelings
  • Meditation exercises
  • Mindfulness activities

Postnatal Care and Physical Recovery

Resources and Support Services

Access to appropriate support services is crucial for families navigating stillbirth aftermath. Organizations provide specialized assistance with practical matters, emotional support, and guidance through the grief journey. These services significantly impact how families cope with their loss and begin healing.

Organizations Offering Support

• Tommy’s:
  • Research information
  • Online support groups
  • Dedicated midwife helpline
• The Compassionate Friends:
  • Local chapter support
  • Peer connection opportunities
• Additional Resources:
  • Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep – remembrance photography
  • SHARE Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support – grief support meetings
  • First Candle – combined bereavement support and education

Creating Memories and Keepsakes

Creating tangible memories after a stillbirth serves as a vital component of the grieving process, helping parents validate their baby’s existence and preserve precious memories. Most hospitals now provide various memory-making opportunities, ensuring families have physical reminders of their baby’s brief but significant life.

• Hospital-provided memory options:
  • Professional photographs
  • Hand and footprint impressions
  • Lock of hair preservation
  • Birth measurements documentation
  • Hospital identification bracelet

Beyond hospital-provided keepsakes, families often create additional meaningful mementos to honor their baby’s memory. Many support organizations offer specialized services to help parents create lasting tributes.

• Additional memorial options:
  • Memory boxes containing personal items
  • Naming ceremonies
  • Memorial services
  • Weighted teddy bears matching birth weight (Molly Bears)
  • Customized memorial jewelry with birthstones
  • Engraved keepsakes

Healthcare providers and support organizations can guide parents through these memory-making opportunities, helping them create meaningful tributes that feel appropriate for their family. Parents should feel empowered to request these keepsakes even if they’re not initially offered, as these physical reminders often provide comfort during the grieving process and validate their parenthood journey.