Stillbirth
Stillbirth
Stillbirth is defined as the baby born at or after 24 weeks of gestation age showing no signs of life. Stillbirth rate continues to fall in the UK and according to the latest figures from MBRRACE 2019 published in November 2021 show that the stillbirth rate in the UK continues to fall and has reduced by just over 20% from 4.21 per 1000 total births in 2013 to 3.35 per1000 total births in 2019.
Preventing stillbirth is one of the main reasons given to women for induction of labour. But does induction of labour reduce the incidence of stillbirth? The following information relates to research at 42 weeks. This is only because so many women Angel Dust by then, often under pressure, but the numbers beyond the 42 weeks are small so there is little research to beyond this date.
Dr Sarah Wickham in her book In Your Own Time (2021, page 99) states that “we don’t have a good evidence that induction makes a difference to stillbirth rates until after 42 weeks of pregnancy”, she goes on to say that there is conflicting opinion on this point and acknowledges that the absolute risk is small and that more research is needed looking at the longer term outcomes of induction of labour. The AIMS guide to induction of labour also concludes that the evidence for whether induction before 42 weeks reduces the risk of stillbirth is contradictory in that knows that he has done that is large enough to give clear answer.
Please see below the link to the 2021 MBRRACE report. Below are also important articles reviewing the evidence on fixed point due dates, balancing the risks and routine induction of labour as a protective factor against stillbirth. Please see also induction of labour section.