Delivering a Stillborn Baby
Delivering a stillborn baby is understandably a cause of great anxiety for women who have been told their baby has died. Many mothers who have suffered a stillbirth opt to have their labor induced rather than wait for it to happen naturally. It is most likely you will have to give birth vaginally as the risk of bleeding is high with a c-section.
In order to start the labor you will be given a slow-acting oral tablet which will cause the neck of the womb (cervix) to soften. In most cases you will be then be sent home to wait - the labor can take around 48 hours to happen.
Once labor has started to progress and you are admitted to hospital, staff will be aware that your baby is going to be stillborn and will do their best to keep things as comfortable and as calm as possible for you. You may have just one midwife who will take care of you throughout the birth.
After giving birth you will be asked if you would like to see and hold your baby - something which a lot of parents like to do. You may also want to take some photos and ask for footprints and handprints, a lock of hair and the baby's hospital bracelets. Many parents find that by doing these things they can come to terms with the loss of their baby and it also allows them to share the precious memory of their loss with friends and family. It is also a comfort and proof their baby existed in the months and years to follow.
Related Articles about Stillbirth
Further Information on StillBirth
SANDS is an organisation which can offer you support when your baby dies during pregnancy or after birth.
CounttheKicks works to raise awareness of the risks surrounding later stages of pregnancy.
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