As an expecting mother in North Carolina, there are so many things that you have to stay mindful of and many potential dangers that need your attention. Being informed about issues like stillbirth can seem depressing, but being armed with knowledge is one of the best things you can do to stay alert to warning signs.
For example, stillbirths: reportedly they’re as common as 1 in 160 pregnancies, and yet you might not know the important details about this tragic phenomenon. The American Pregnancy Association, where the above report about stillbirth frequency came from, has also answered another frequently asked question. Can stillbirth occur during the labor process itself, or during delivery? The answer is yes. Though it’s a much smaller number than stillbirths that occur before labor, stillbirths can occur during labor or shortly after sometimes.
As for the why, there are many different possible reasons that vary from case to case and can also depend on risk factors. For example, if you are malnourished or abuse alcohol, cigarettes or drugs during your pregnancy, it can raise chances of a stillbirth occuring. Other factors can include infections, birth defects, accidents involving the umbilical cord, and nutrition or oxygen deficiencies caused by various problems like growth restriction.
Many expecting mothers notice issues when their baby’s activity levels drop. If you exhibit any risk factors or feel that something is “off” at any point during your pregnancy, you may benefit from seeing emergency care as quickly as possible, as ultrasounds are the only way to confirm your baby’s health.