HealthInfo Canterbury
Stillbirth
Losing a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy is called stillbirth. After all the hopes and changes of pregnancy, stillbirth is a tragedy for parents and their whānau (families).
When a stillbirth happens, doctors will recommend several blood tests and offer a post mortem to try to find a reason for the loss. A consultation will be arranged with an obstetrician about two months after the birth to discuss any diagnosis and to make any recommendations for a future pregnancy. Doctors will offer close monitoring in a future pregnancy.
The links below have a lot of information about stillbirths and offer support from other people who've lost a baby.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – What you need to know about stillbirth
Detailed information about stillbirth.
- Sands New Zealand
Sands New Zealand is a network of parent-run, non-profit groups supporting families who've experienced the death of a baby.
- International Stillbirth Alliance
ANZSA is a regional office of the international stillbirth alliance. The international stillbirth alliance's website contains research and news and a memorial messages page, where grieving parents can create a memorial message for their baby.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2022.
Review key: HIPLT-311303
