Stillbirth

How stillbirth is defined differs depending on the country. In Ireland, a stillbirth is defined as a baby born with no signs of life at 24 weeks gestation or later, or with a birthweight of 500g or more. The rate of stillbirth in 2019 was 4.06/1000, about 1 in 250 births.

There are many risk factors associated with stillbirth. These include sociodemographic characteristics, such as maternal age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; maternal medical factors, including maternal medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension), mental health conditions, obstetric history (e.g. parity, previous pregnancy loss, multiple pregnancy, history of caesarean section); pregnancy complications and fetal factors such as placental insufficiencies; and behavioural-related factors such as substance use or weight management behaviours. One of the biggest risk factors for stillbirth is a history of previous stillbirth. Pregnancy after stillbirth is associated with increased risk of additional adverse outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and placental abruption.

Parents who experience a stillbirth are at risk of developing prolonged psychological problems. Pregnancy after loss is a very stressful time for both parents, with increased feelings of anxiety, worry, and grief, and increased health service utilisation.

Our research in this area

COVID-19 and stillbirth, including SARS-CoV-2 placentitis
Definitions of stillbirth
Development/evaluation of interventions to:

Prevent stillbirth and/or address behavioural risk factors
Support healthcare professionals
Facilitate the conduct of adequate and efficient perinatal death reviews
Train healthcare professionals in caring for parents bereaved by stillbirth

Fetal growth restriction
Impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents and healthcare professionals
Lived experience
Perinatal death reviews, inquiries and audits – methods and systems
Pregnancy after stillbirth

Key publications

Filters and search

Category	Category	Keywords	Year	Title	Abstract	Actions
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Experience, Impact, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2024	Mind yourself so you can mind me; The role of parental behaviour in perinatal death on the surviving sibling’s grief	Supporting parents in their grief is a key factor for a healthy grieving process in children and must be considered when supporting families in perinatal death.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Impact, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2024	Measuring EQ-5D-5L utility values in parents who have experienced perinatal death	Our survey study estimating the impact of perinatal death on parents’ health utility (general health and quality of life) found utility values that were 13% lower than general population values. Mental health support following perinatal bereavement is especially important.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Neonatal death, Staff support, Stillbirth	2024	The impact of severe perinatal events on maternity care providers: a scoping review	Our scoping review shows that the impact of traumatic perinatal events on maternity care providers is severe and far reaching. Not getting adequate support from their organisation was frequently mentioned and strengthened the negative impact of the event.	More details Read publication
Report	Report	Stillbirth	2023	Invited commentary: Exploring the complexity of stillbirth prevention: Insights from the RELEVANT Study on risk factors and implications for policy and practice		More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Audit / Service evaluation, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2024	A systematic review of standardised tools used in perinatal death review programmes	Our review found that there is little standardisation when it comes to perinatal mortality review tools. Guidance on structuring such tools in a standardised way is needed as part of efforts to reduce preventable perinatal deaths.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Audit / Service evaluation, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2023	A protocol for a systematic review of standardised tools used in perinatal death review programmes [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]	A protocol for a systematic review of standardised tools or frameworks used to audit perinatal deaths in middle- to high-income countries.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2023	Designing a behaviour change intervention to address the behavioural risk factors for stillbirth: A study protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]	Addressing preventable stillbirths is crucial. This study aims to design a behaviour change intervention using established behavioural science models and frameworks (COM-B and the Behaviour Change Wheel). Evidence-based & adaptable, it targets behavioural risk factors for stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2023	A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention	Preventing stillbirth requires effective behaviour change interventions. Our study found limited effects of these interventions and a focus on information provision. Further research is needed to address social influence and environmental barriers.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Experience, Impact, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2023	Bereaved parents involvement in maternity hospital perinatal death review processes: ‘Nobody even thought to ask us anything’	A respectful, flexible system that allows bereaved parents involvement in their baby's perinatal death review, and is tailored to their needs, is essential. A collaborative process can highlight clinical areas in need of change, enhance lessons learned, improve bereavement services and may prevent future deaths.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2022	Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth	Results suggest that there is a silence around stillbirth, including in antenatal care, which hinders information provision. Receiving information about stillbirth was perceived as positive to help prevention.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Impact, Stillbirth	2022	Addressing obstetricians’ awareness of compassion, communication, and self-care when caring for families experiencing stillbirth: Evaluation of a novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques	A novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques–developed collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including people with lived experience–is an acceptable and appropriate way of training obstetricians in how to care for bereaved parents/to engage in self-care.	More details Read publication
Book chapter	Book chapter	Miscarriage, Perinatal palliative care, Pregnancy loss, Spirituality, Stillbirth, Termination of pregnancy, Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies	2022	Perinatal death: Complex and nuanced life, love and loss	Parents are faced with complex ethical decisions following a diagnosis of FFA. For some, the most compassionate approach will include termination. A palliative care approach & comprehensive bereavement care is proposed for all babies diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Awareness / Knowledge, Experience, Stillbirth	2022	Facilitators and barriers to seeking and engaging with antenatal care in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research	The reasons why women seek or delay attending antenatal care are multifactorial. Barriers include sociodemographic factors, difficulties navigating the health system, administrative delays, lack of flexibility and tailored care, constant change of carer and communication issues.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2022	Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research	Interventions developed to promote and maintain weight management behaviours during pregnancy should consider all levels of influence over women’s behaviours, including women’s level of awareness and beliefs, experiences in antenatal care, education provision and social influence.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, COVID-19, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2022	Multicountry study protocol of COCOON: COntinuing Care in COVID-19 Outbreak global survey of new, expectant, and bereaved parent experiences	This international study aims to understand the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and the experiences of parents who have accessed maternity, neonatal and bereavement care services across 15 countries.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Audit / Service evaluation, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2022	Perinatal mortality audits and reporting of perinatal deaths: Systematic review of outcomes and barriers	Incomplete data, lack of standardised methods &classifications, inadequate training - identified as main barriers for perinatal mortality audit. To reduce perinatal mortalities, audit cycles must be completed, implementing recommendations with continuous re-evaluation of changes.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	COVID-19, Miscarriage, Neonatal death, Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2022	Placental tissue destruction and insufficiency from COVID-19 causes stillbirth and neonatal death From hypoxic-ischemic injury: A study of 68 cases with SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis from 12 countries	A study of 68 cases of COVID-19 related placental infection (SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis) from 12 countries shows that placental tissue injury from COVID-19 causes stillbirth and neonatal death through hypoxic-ischemic injury.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	COVID-19, Miscarriage, Neonatal death, Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2022	Fetal deaths in Ireland due to SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 Alpha	COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 Alpha was associated with seven fetal deaths in the Republic of Ireland in early 2021.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2022	A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]	Given the modifiable nature of some risk factors for stillbirth, there is increasing interest in designing interventions to reduce these risks. We aim to identify and review these interventions to see what works or not to guide the development of future interventions.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2022	Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research	Perceived benefits, knowledge, experiences in health care settings, and social factors all play important roles in women’s substance use behaviours. Increased clinical and community awareness is necessary to inform future prevention efforts.	More details Read publication
Book chapter	Book chapter	Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth	2022	Pregnancy loss: A silent loss and challenging birth	Pregnancy loss has been a ‘silent’ and lonely experience in our Irish history. The increased recognition in civil, religious & societal approaches to pregnancy loss has provided improved awareness alongside improved overall care.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2022	Pregnancy after stillbirth: maternal and neonatal outcomes and health service utilization	Pregnancy after stillbirth was associated with increased surveillance and intervention - women in this study had higher rates of caesarean delivery, induction of labour, and preterm delivery than the general multiparous population.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	COVID-19, Stillbirth	2022	COVID-19 and pregnancy: A comparison of case reports, case series and registry studies	Case reports and retrospective series published early on in the COVID-19 pandemic had useful information, but overestimated maternal, fetal and neonatal complications related to COVID-19 infection when compared with later prospective registries.	More details Read publication
Thesis	Thesis	Audit / Service evaluation, Experience, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2021	Study of methods, systems, recommendations and bereaved parents’ involvements in perinatal death reviews, inquiries and audits	Study of methods, systems, recommendations and bereaved parents’ involvements in perinatal death reviews, inquiries and audits \| PhD Thesis: Dr Änne Helps.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Audit / Service evaluation, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2021	National perinatal mortality audits and resultant initiatives in four countries	Challenges are common to high-income countries’ perinatal mortality audits, highlighting the need for shared learning of successful initiatives.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2021	Governance of maternity services: Effects on the management of perinatal deaths and bereavement services	To be effective and initiate positive changes in clinical services, documents such as incident reviews, national strategies and national reports including inquiries, need to include realistic recommendations with clear timelines and responsibilities for implementation.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2021	Trying to conceive: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of couples’ experiences of pregnancy after stillbirth	The experiences of trying to conceive after stillbirth impacted the couple relationships. Couples who were able to discuss their feelings with one another appeared more cohesive than those who experienced communication challenges in the aftermath of loss.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2021	Maternity healthcare chaplains and perinatal post-mortem support and understanding in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An exploratory study	Study with maternity healthcare chaplains identifies that perinatal post-mortem does not have any religious prohibition and that most maternity healthcare chaplains have been asked about perinatal post-mortem by bereaved parents.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Awareness / Knowledge, Stillbirth	2021	Stillbirth and risk factors: an evaluation of Irish and UK websites	We reviewed 92 websites aimed at pregnant women in Ireland and the UK, and found that they were a poor source for information related to stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2020	A review of stillbirth definitions: A rationale for change	Study shows that with improving survival rates for periviable infants, the stillbirth definition in Ireland should be reviewed to include to ?22 weeks’ gestation and ?400?g in line with improved medical developments.	More details Read publication
Book	Book	Pregnancy after loss	2020	Different baby, different story: Pregnancy and parenting after loss	Pregnancy after prenatal or infant loss can be a lonely and frightening time, but through stories of both pain and healing, the authors show how to navigate the exciting but choppy waters of a subsequent pregnancy.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2020	Small for gestational age infants and the association with placental and umbilical cord morphometry: a digital imaging study	This study identified which morphometric measurements in combination are associated with SGA infants using digital imaging of the placenta. The morphometric measurements at delivery most strongly associated with SGA infants were placental weight and placental surface area.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Impact, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2020	Impact of bereavement care and pregnancy loss services on families: Findings and recommendations from Irish inquiry reports	Personalised perinatal bereavement care helps families to cope with their loss. Immediate bereavement support must be offered to families by expert maternity staff. Families and relevant clinical staff should be involved in perinatal inquiries.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Audit / Service evaluation, Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2020	Perinatal mortality audits and reviews: Past, present and the way forward	To achieve a reduction in the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, it is crucial to ensure that the perinatal mortality audit and review cycle is completed with implementation and re-evaluation of recommended changes in maternity services.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Neonatal death, Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth	2020	Education priorities for voluntary organisations supporting parents experiencing perinatal loss: a Delphi survey	A standardised approach is necessary to develop an education day that is responsive to the learning needs of volunteers supporting bereaved parents.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2020	The RESPECT Study for consensus on global bereavement care after stillbirth	Consensus on a set of eight evidence-based core principles for bereavement care after stillbirth was established. Highest quality bereavement care should be enabled through training of healthcare staff to reduce stigma and establish respectful care.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth	2020	Irish inquiry reports relating to perinatal deaths and pregnancy loss services	A collaborative and standardised inquiry process ensures that all relevant issues are identified, recommendations are implemented and essential lessons are learned.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2020	Antenatal detection of abnormal placental cord insertion across different trimesters: A prospective cohort study	Our prospective cohort study compared antenatal ultrasound detection of abnormal placental cord insertion across trimesters vs delivered placental classification. Sensitivity & specificity were highest in 2nd trimester, with optimal agreement with postnatal classification.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2019	Role of 2-dimensional ultrasound imaging in placental and umbilical cord morphometry: Literature and pictorial review	This literature review examines the use of 2D ultrasound as a tool to measure and assess placental and umbilical cord morphometry as a screening tool for high risk pregnancies.	More details Read publication
Thesis	Thesis	Impact, Neonatal death, Staff support, Staff training, Stillbirth	2019	The impact of intrapartum fetal death and other serious adverse perinatal events on healthcare professionals and the maternity services	The impact of intrapartum fetal death and other serious adverse perinatal events on healthcare professionals and the maternity services \| PhD Thesis: Dr Karen McNamara.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2019	Modifiable risk factors for stillbirth: a literature review	Smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs and medical drugs, high BMI, attendance at antenatal care and sleeping position are the main modifiable risk factors with a behavioural component that have been associated with a higher risk of stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Neonatal death, Perinatal mortality, Stillbirth	2019	The perceived effect of serious adverse perinatal events on clinical practice. Can it be objectively measured?	We identified some statistically significant changes in labour ward clinical activity in the 28 days following five out of six serious adverse perinatal events; the change in activity could not be attributed directly to the preceding adverse event.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2019	Rounded intraplacental hematoma - A high risk placental lesion as illustrated by a prospective study of 26 consecutive cases	A rounded intraplacental hematoma (RIH) is a recently described anomaly of the placenta. This is the first study to identify and collect RIHs using standardised pathological criteria and shows an association between RIHs and stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Spirituality, Pregnancy loss	2019	Pregnancy loss: A disturbing silence and theological wilderness	Pregnancy loss is a deeply challenging spiritual and theological reality for bereaved parents. Faith communities are challenged to engage at a deeper level with this often silent wilderness experience with greater liturgical and pastoral provision and robust reflection.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	PPI, Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth	2019	Parents and clinicians: partners in perinatal bereavement research – experiences from the International Stillbirth Alliance Conference 2017	In this commentary, we highlight the value of: partnership between bereaved patients and clinicians, creativity as a unifying expression of grief and to facilitate learning, collaboration with global stakeholders, and meaningful patient/public engagement in research.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2019	Beyond the headlines: Fetal movement awareness is an important stillbirth prevention strategy	Shared decision-making and a sensible approach to risk assessment, with prudent use of obstetric interventions, should save lives without causing harm.	More details Read publication
Thesis	Thesis	Experience, Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2018	Experiences of couples in pregnancy after stillbirth: an interpretative phenomenological analysis	Experiences of couples in pregnancy after stillbirth: an interpretative phenomenological analysis \| PhD Thesis: Dr Margaret Murphy	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Impact, Neonatal death, Staff support, Stillbirth	2018	Intrapartum fetal death and doctors: a qualitative exploration	Obstetricians are profoundly and negatively affected by a personal involvement with an intrapartum death. Effective emotional support interventions for all obstetricians are needed.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Stillbirth	2018	The impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents: A qualitative study	Stillbirth has a lasting and profound impact on bereaved parents. Parents identified maintaining hope, importance of the personhood of the baby, protective care and relationships (personal and professional) in their experience of stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2018	Intrapartum fetal deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths in the Republic of Ireland: 2011 - 2014; a descriptive study	The corrected intrapartum fetal death rate for 2012 to 2014 was 0.16 per 1000 births. We were unable to identify if any of these deaths could have been prevented. A more formal confidential inquiry based system is necessary to fully appraise these cases.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Awareness / Knowledge, Stillbirth	2018	The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study	Irish population study shows low public awareness of stillbirth incidence, risk factors and causes.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2018	Care in subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth: an international survey of parents	More support for providing quality care in pregnancies after stillbirth is needed.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2017	Abnormal placental cord insertion and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis	Our systematic review of the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with abnormal placental cord insertion shows an increased risk of emergency Caesarean section, but this is based on a small number of studies & further research is required.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Pregnancy after loss, Stillbirth	2017	Parents’ concerns about future pregnancy after stillbirth: a qualitative study	Stillbirth has far-reaching and contrasting effects on parents. Mothers in our study wished to plan a future pregnancy while fathers were reluctant to consider any pregnancies. Additional appointments at the maternity hospital were considered crucial to provide reassurance.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2017	Abnormal placental cord insertion and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Results from a prospective cohort study	Digital imaging provided objective measurements of placental cord insertions, with abnormal insertions significantly associated with an increased risk of SGA and low birth weight.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Spirituality, Stillbirth	2017	Stillbirth and suffering in Ireland: A theological reflection from healthcare chaplaincy	Stillbirth is an immensely challenging spiritual reality for parents and for healthcare chaplains. Using Green’s theological spiral and thick descriptors, theological engagement, pastoral tenderness and empathic presence are key attributes for spiritual care following stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Spirituality, Stillbirth	2017	The spiritual and theological challenges of stillbirth for bereaved parents	Stillbirth has a considerable spiritual impact on bereaved parents. Spiritually, parents described searching for meaning, maintaining hope and questioning core beliefs. The faith of most parents was challenged and most not receiving adequate spiritual care in hospital.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Multiple pregnancy, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2017	Death of one twin during the perinatal period: An interpretative phenomenological analysis	Parents with a diagnosis of fetal anomaly in twin pregnancies were not prepared for the complications they experienced in pregnancy. Clear and appropriate information in relation to perinatal palliative care should be provided to parents.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Neonatal death, Staff support, Stillbirth	2017	Healthcare professionals' response to intrapartum death: a cross-sectional study	82% of healthcare professionals received no training in dealing with intrapartum death. 94% had no education on self-care strategies. Despite it being desired by most (80%), debriefing was offered to just 11% of healthcare professionals who were involved in an intrapartum death.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Stillbirth	2017	Communication skills in Obstetrics: what can we learn from bereaved parents?	Communication in obstetrics matters. Study identifies that language used, sensitivity and diversionary techniques impact negatively when bad news is communicated in the obstetric setting.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Spirituality, Stillbirth, Staff support	2016	The place of faith for consultant obstetricians following stillbirth: A qualitative exploratory study	Obstetricians experience inner conflict between their faith and professional practice when dealing with stillbirth. Study highlights an experienced incongruence between personal faith and professional practice when obstetricians are faced with the death of a baby.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Stillbirth	2016	Caring for parents at the time of stillbirth: How can we do better?	Parents of stillborn babies need recognition of the importance of their baby’s death and the care they receive must reflect this by providing a professional bereavement service through kind, empathic and sensitive interactions at every stage, throughout their whole experience.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Awareness / Knowledge, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2016	Reaction on Twitter to a cluster of perinatal deaths: A mixed method study	Twitter activity provides a useful insight into attitudes towards health-related events. The role of the media in influencing opinion is well-documented and this study highlights the challenges that clinicians face in light of an obstetric media scandal.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2016	Perinatal outcomes of reduced fetal movements: a cohort study	A prospective cohort study of women presenting with reduced fetal movements (RFM) were followed to compare pregnancy outcomes with a control group. Women with RFM were more likely to be nulliparous, admitted and/or induced. Clinical implications of RFM requires more attention.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Bereavement care, Spirituality, Staff support, Staff training, Stillbirth	2016	The provision of spiritual and pastoral care following stillbirth in Ireland: a mixed methods study	Stillbirth is a significant challenge for maternity healthcare chaplains in their personal belief and faith as they provide care. Further specialist training and support is required for chaplains in stillbirth care.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2016	The role of perinatal pathology in the investigation of stillbirth	An unexplained stillbirth may simply be an uninvestigated one. With specialist pathology services, and an increase in postmortem investigations, there has been a significant decrease in the number of stillbirths whose cause of death is unexplained.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Impact, Stillbirth	2016	Stillbirths: economic and psychosocial consequences	Stillbirth reduction remains a global health priority. The economic costs of stillbirth are high for families, communities and society and are largely borne by families.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2015	Parental decision making around perinatal autopsy: a qualitative investigation	Parents’ decision-making regarding autopsy is profoundly affected by their emotional response to stillbirth. Clinicians and other health professionals may play a key role, especially if they can address parental concerns regarding the invasiveness of the autopsy procedure.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Spirituality, Staff support, Stillbirth	2015	The spiritual and theological issues raised by stillbirth for healthcare chaplains	Maternity healthcare chaplains are impacted by stillbirth as they provide spiritual care. Study shows that suffering, doubt and presence feature for chaplains in their pastoral care of families in stillbirth.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Clinical guideline(s), Fetal growth restriction, Stillbirth	2015	Guidelines on fetal growth restriction: a comparison of recent national publications	Pregnancies affected by suboptimal fetal growth pose a daily challenge for obstetricians, however international guidelines are inconsistent and show variation, so consensus is urgently needed to inform best clinical practice.	More details Read publication
Report	Report	Stillbirth	2015	Invited commentary: The impact of stillbirth	Invited commentary by Professor O’Donoghue on the impact of stillbirth, published in the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre’s Perinatal Mortality in Ireland Annual Report 2013.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Impact, Staff support, Staff training, Stillbirth	2014	The impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists: a qualitative study	Stillbirth is amongst the most challenging professional and personal experiences for consultant obstetricians. Study shows that stillbirth has personal impact and professional burden for clinicians. Recommendations are for improved training/ education and professional support.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Fetal growth restriction, Stillbirth	2014	Definition and management of fetal growth restriction: a survey of contemporary attitudes	A national survey of obstetricians showed inconsistencies around the clinical management of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, highlighting the need for standardisation of terminology and management in national guidance.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Neonatal death, Stillbirth	2014	Fetal growth restriction and the risk of perinatal mortality–case studies from the multicentre PORTO study	Fetal growth restriction is a big contributor to perinatal mortality in normally-formed fetuses; antenatal detection of poor fetal growth and maternal risk factors can facilitate increased surveillance and timely delivery in many cases.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2012	Investigation of the role of computed tomography as an adjunct to autopsy in the evaluation of stillbirth	CT scanning has a role in the investigation of stillbirth and may be an option instead of post-mortem examination or as an adjunct, particularly for infants with congenital anomalies.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Stillbirth	2009	Review: Reduced fetal movements	Reduced fetal movements in pregnancy is common, creates anxiety for both women and clinicians, and while it can be a sign of problems in the pregnancy or have no cause, it has an association with stillbirth.	More details Read publication

Related policy briefs

Related projects

ACHIEVE

Impact of adverse perinatal events on healthcare professionals

Impact of perinatal death on siblings

Perinatal death reviews, inquiries and audits

PORTO

Pregnancy after stillbirth

RELEVANT

The spiritual and professional impact of stillbirth

Impact case studies

International Stillbirth Alliance Conference 2017

TEARDROP

Bringing the impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy out of the shadows

Our people

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
Anna Burns
Rióna Cotter
Felicia Deonarine
Susan Dineen
Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
Claire Everard
Anne-Marie Farrell
Dr Brendan Fitzgerald
Dr Amy Fogarty
Dr Änne Helps
Dr Sara Leitao
Dr Laura Linehan
Dr Karen McNamara
Dr Margaret Murphy
Dr Daniel Nuzum
Orla O’Connell
Dr Emily O’Connor
Laura Robinson
Dr Emily Rutherford
Dr Jessica White

Stillbirth

Stillbirth

Stillbirth

Our research in this area

Key publications

Filters and search

Mind yourself so you can mind me; The role of parental behaviour in perinatal death on the surviving sibling’s grief

Measuring EQ-5D-5L utility values in parents who have experienced perinatal death

The impact of severe perinatal events on maternity care providers: a scoping review

Invited commentary: Exploring the complexity of stillbirth prevention: Insights from the RELEVANT Study on risk factors and implications for policy and practice

A systematic review of standardised tools used in perinatal death review programmes

A protocol for a systematic review of standardised tools used in perinatal death review programmes [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Designing a behaviour change intervention to address the behavioural risk factors for stillbirth: A study protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention

Bereaved parents involvement in maternity hospital perinatal death review processes: ‘Nobody even thought to ask us anything’

Exploring first-time mothers' experiences and knowledge about behavioural risk factors for stillbirth

Addressing obstetricians’ awareness of compassion, communication, and self-care when caring for families experiencing stillbirth: Evaluation of a novel educational workshop using applied drama techniques

Perinatal death: Complex and nuanced life, love and loss

Facilitators and barriers to seeking and engaging with antenatal care in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

Multicountry study protocol of COCOON: COntinuing Care in COVID-19 Outbreak global survey of new, expectant, and bereaved parent experiences

Perinatal mortality audits and reporting of perinatal deaths: Systematic review of outcomes and barriers

Placental tissue destruction and insufficiency from COVID-19 causes stillbirth and neonatal death From hypoxic-ischemic injury: A study of 68 cases with SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis from 12 countries

Fetal deaths in Ireland due to SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 Alpha

A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Facilitators and barriers to substance-free pregnancies in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

Pregnancy loss: A silent loss and challenging birth

Pregnancy after stillbirth: maternal and neonatal outcomes and health service utilization

COVID-19 and pregnancy: A comparison of case reports, case series and registry studies

Study of methods, systems, recommendations and bereaved parents’ involvements in perinatal death reviews, inquiries and audits

National perinatal mortality audits and resultant initiatives in four countries

Governance of maternity services: Effects on the management of perinatal deaths and bereavement services

Trying to conceive: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of couples’ experiences of pregnancy after stillbirth

Maternity healthcare chaplains and perinatal post-mortem support and understanding in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An exploratory study

Stillbirth and risk factors: an evaluation of Irish and UK websites

A review of stillbirth definitions: A rationale for change

Different baby, different story: Pregnancy and parenting after loss

Small for gestational age infants and the association with placental and umbilical cord morphometry: a digital imaging study

Impact of bereavement care and pregnancy loss services on families: Findings and recommendations from Irish inquiry reports

Perinatal mortality audits and reviews: Past, present and the way forward

Education priorities for voluntary organisations supporting parents experiencing perinatal loss: a Delphi survey

The RESPECT Study for consensus on global bereavement care after stillbirth

Irish inquiry reports relating to perinatal deaths and pregnancy loss services

Antenatal detection of abnormal placental cord insertion across different trimesters: A prospective cohort study

Role of 2-dimensional ultrasound imaging in placental and umbilical cord morphometry: Literature and pictorial review

The impact of intrapartum fetal death and other serious adverse perinatal events on healthcare professionals and the maternity services

Modifiable risk factors for stillbirth: a literature review

The perceived effect of serious adverse perinatal events on clinical practice. Can it be objectively measured?

Rounded intraplacental hematoma - A high risk placental lesion as illustrated by a prospective study of 26 consecutive cases

Pregnancy loss: A disturbing silence and theological wilderness

Parents and clinicians: partners in perinatal bereavement research – experiences from the International Stillbirth Alliance Conference 2017

Beyond the headlines: Fetal movement awareness is an important stillbirth prevention strategy

Experiences of couples in pregnancy after stillbirth: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Intrapartum fetal death and doctors: a qualitative exploration

The impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents: A qualitative study

Intrapartum fetal deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths in the Republic of Ireland: 2011 - 2014; a descriptive study

The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study

Care in subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth: an international survey of parents

Abnormal placental cord insertion and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parents’ concerns about future pregnancy after stillbirth: a qualitative study

Abnormal placental cord insertion and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Results from a prospective cohort study

Stillbirth and suffering in Ireland: A theological reflection from healthcare chaplaincy

The spiritual and theological challenges of stillbirth for bereaved parents

Death of one twin during the perinatal period: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Healthcare professionals' response to intrapartum death: a cross-sectional study

Communication skills in Obstetrics: what can we learn from bereaved parents?

The place of faith for consultant obstetricians following stillbirth: A qualitative exploratory study

Caring for parents at the time of stillbirth: How can we do better?

Reaction on Twitter to a cluster of perinatal deaths: A mixed method study

Perinatal outcomes of reduced fetal movements: a cohort study

The provision of spiritual and pastoral care following stillbirth in Ireland: a mixed methods study

The role of perinatal pathology in the investigation of stillbirth

Stillbirths: economic and psychosocial consequences

Parental decision making around perinatal autopsy: a qualitative investigation

The spiritual and theological issues raised by stillbirth for healthcare chaplains

Guidelines on fetal growth restriction: a comparison of recent national publications

Invited commentary: The impact of stillbirth

The impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists: a qualitative study

Definition and management of fetal growth restriction: a survey of contemporary attitudes

Fetal growth restriction and the risk of perinatal mortality–case studies from the multicentre PORTO study