More Stillbirths Caused By Overweight Mothers Than Birth Defects, Research Finds

MOST stillbirths could have been avoided but poor care, overweight and ageing pregnant women means thousands of babies are needlessly dying every day, research has found.

Just one in 14 stillbirths - the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy but before birth - are down to birth defects.

Instead, last year 7,200 babies were born stillborn EVERY day worldwide.

The International Stillbirth Alliance Survey uncovered disturbing attitudes to stillbirths in high income countries such as Britain, including a lack of discussion and a culture of blame.

One grieving mother even admitted other women told her that her son's death was down to nature “taking care of my [her] mistakes”.

The findings show that across the world, nutrition and lifestyle factors account for around 10 per cent of still births each.

Prolonged pregnancies - those that go beyond 42 weeks - contribute to one in seven stillbirths, while 6.7 per cent of stillbirths happen because the mother is over the age of 35.

Half of the babies died during their mother’s labour.

The research dispels the myth that most stillbirths are unavoidable.

Instead, experts in the UK have told British women they need to watch their weight and have demanded more money be pumped into educating those from poorer communities.

Dr David Richmond, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said: “This comprehensive series of papers presents a ‘wake-up call’ to governments worldwide to make faster progress in reducing the number of stillbirths, which wreak untold damage on families, care givers and communities. 

“In low and middle income countries, most stillbirths could be prevented with straightforward improvements to antenatal care and the care of women and their babies during childbirth.

“In the UK, there is still much to be done to ensure our rate of progress is as good as the best in Europe. 

“Promotion of messages which may help women reduce the risk of stillbirth – such as maintaining a healthy weight prior to conception, stopping smoking and attending antenatal appointments – are all essential components to help end preventable stillbirths worldwide.”