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Home   >   Types of Cases   >   Stillbirth

Stillbirth

Unfortunately, each year in the United States about 25,000 babies, or approximately 68 babies each day, are born still. This is approximately 1 stillbirth for every 115 births.

Do We Have Experience Handling Stillbirth Cases?

Yes. In fact, representing families and mothers who tragically lost their baby is another area of malpractice that we have extensive experience in. In fact, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients who suffered a stillbirth delivery. Even more importantly, our experience has allowed us to better understand and counsel our clients through this trying time.

What Can Cause A Stillbirth?

Although sometimes it is difficult to determine the exact cause of a stillbirth, some common causes can include:

  • Birth defects
  • Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord
  • Diabetes
  • Uterine rupture
  • Hypertension (or Pre-eclampsia)

Are There Risk Factors For Stillbirths?

Yes. There are certain factors that should raise your doctor’s suspicion that you have a high risk pregnancy. Some of these factors can include:

  • Infections
  • Placenta and umbilical cord problems
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • A prior C-section
  • Trauma or injury to the mother’s abdominal area
  • Diabetes in the mother
  • Birth defects in the child
  • High blood pressure in the mother (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia)
  • An autoimmune disorder in the mother
  • Postmaturity (the pregnancy lasts 41 weeks or longer)
  • Decreased fetal movement reported by the mother

What Should Be Done If Risk Factors Are Present?

When these or other warning signs are present, doctors and health care providers should take immediate steps to properly monitor the unborn baby, to treat the cause of any complication that has arisen, and, where necessary, to deliver the baby (usually by caesarean).

Monitoring may include use of a stethoscope to listen to the fetal heartbeat, use of Doppler ultrasound to detect the heartbeat, and the use of an electronic fetal nonstress test (NST) to record the baby’s heart rate, movements, and contractions in the uterus. Also, the mother’s urine can be checked regularly for any abnormalities. With monitoring and appropriate treatment, it should be possible to save the life of the unborn baby.

How Can We Help You?

If your child was stillborn and you suspect that the death resulted because a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider failed to provide adequate care during the pregnancy, or during labor and delivery, you should immediately contact our office. Our competent and caring staff will be able to help you understand whether your child’s stillbirth was the result of a health care provider’s negligence, in which case we will also be able to assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.