Causes of stillbirth
Most common causes of stillbirth
Around 60% of stillbirths are unexplained meaning that the doctors do not know why the baby died.
Where there is an explanation for the stillbirth it is usually caused by one of the following:
- Congenital abnormality
- Placental factors for example placental abruption and pre-eclampsia
- Infection
- Fetal growth restriction
- Complications with twins
Management of some of the factors above can be negligent. Below we look in more detail about potential negligent treatment.
Stillbirth caused by placental factors
If a placental abruption has caused the stillbirth, we will investigate the cause of that abruption and whether there was any negligent treatment surrounding this. Babies stillborn due to placental issues are often perfectly formed but small, because they have not been receiving the required nutrients from the placenta. In cases where the mum has suffered pre-eclampsia which led to the stillbirth, we investigate the treatment received by the mother received for her condition and whether different treatment would have resulted in the baby surviving.
Stillbirth caused by infection
If a mother has contracted an infection during pregnancy which has led to a stillbirth we will investigate whether the infection was diagnosed appropriately and treated correctly. Infections can include group B streptococcus, E. coli, klebsiella, enterococcus, Haemophilus influenza, chlamydia, and mycoplasma or ureaplasma.
We will also investigate claims involving gestational diabetes, as failure to diagnose this condition during pregnancy can also lead to stillbirth or significant lifelong complications for the baby.
Stillbirth caused by fetal grown restriction
If a baby is stillborn due to fetal growth restriction, we will investigate the monitoring of the baby during the pregnancy.
Complications with twins
A twin pregnancy by its very nature can be more complicated. If one or both twins are stillborn we will investigate the treatment during the pregnancy.
If you would like to discuss a potential claim with us please get in touch where one of our experienced team will be happy to assist.
Read about birth injury cases here.
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