Explanation: Stillbirth is defined as fetal death occurring at or after 20 or 28 weeks of gestation, depending on the specific medical or legal definition, characterized by the absence of any signs of life at birth.

Explanation: Stillbirth is distinct from miscarriage, which is an early pregnancy loss, and from SIDS, which is the death of a live-born infant. These terms are not interchangeable.

Explanation: The terms 'fetal death' and 'fetal demise' are indeed commonly used as synonyms for stillbirth, particularly in medical and reporting contexts where a single standard definition for 'stillbirth' may not exist.

Explanation: The CDC defines stillbirth as fetal loss occurring at or after the 20th week of pregnancy and further categorizes these losses by gestational age into early (20-27 weeks), late (28-36 weeks), and term (37 weeks or more) stillbirths.

Explanation: The primary definition of stillbirth involves the death of a fetus at or after 20 or 28 weeks of gestation, depending on the specific criteria, where the infant is born without any vital signs.

Explanation: Stillbirth is distinguished from miscarriage as an early pregnancy loss and from SIDS as a post-birth death, by specifically referring to fetal death that occurs before or during the delivery process.

Explanation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US classifies stillbirths based on gestational age into three categories: early (20-27 weeks), late (28-36 weeks), and term (during or after week 37 of pregnancy).

Explanation: A significant challenge in stillbirth cases is that the cause often remains unknown even after extensive medical testing and postmortem evaluation, with only about 40% of autopsied cases revealing a definitive cause.

Explanation: Sudden antenatal death syndrome (SADS) specifically refers to stillbirths where the cause cannot be determined even after a comprehensive postmortem evaluation, frequently occurring in full-term pregnancies.

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, a postmortem evaluation identifies a cause of death in approximately 40% of autopsied stillbirth cases, not 75%.

Explanation: Maternal health conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, are indeed recognized as contributing factors to stillbirth, accounting for approximately 10% of cases.

Explanation: Syphilis and malaria are specific bacterial infections identified as capable of crossing the placental barrier and causing stillbirth.

Explanation: Pulmonary hypoplasia, characterized by the underdevelopment of the fetal lungs, is a significant birth defect that can compromise a fetus's viability and increase the risk of stillbirth.

Explanation: Both chromosomal aberrations, which involve genetic abnormalities, and fetal growth restriction, indicating inadequate fetal development, are well-established significant risk factors for stillbirth.

Explanation: A postdate pregnancy, defined as one extending beyond the expected due date, is actually considered a risk factor for stillbirth, potentially due to placental aging and decreased function, rather than a protective factor.

Explanation: Placental abruption, the premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, is a critical obstetric complication that can lead to severe fetal hypoxia and stillbirth.

Explanation: External factors such as significant physical trauma to the mother or exposure to radiation poisoning are indeed capable of causing stillbirth by directly harming the fetus or severely compromising the pregnancy.

Explanation: Rh disease occurs when an Rh-negative mother's immune system attacks an Rh-positive fetus, not the other way around. This can lead to severe fetal anemia and stillbirth if untreated.

Explanation: Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, has been identified as a risk factor for stillbirth, underscoring the importance of its effective management throughout pregnancy to mitigate potential complications.

Explanation: Umbilical cord torsion, the twisting of the cord around itself, is described as a very common phenomenon, particularly in equine stillbirths, and is a recognized type of umbilical cord accident that can lead to stillbirth.

Explanation: Research suggests that a pregnant woman's sleeping position, specifically sleeping on her back after 28 weeks of gestation, may be a potential risk factor for stillbirth, prompting recommendations for side sleeping.

Explanation: A significant challenge in stillbirth investigations is that the underlying cause of fetal death frequently remains undetermined, even after comprehensive medical evaluations and postmortem examinations.

Explanation: A postmortem evaluation, which is a medical examination of the deceased fetus, reveals a cause of death in approximately 40% of autopsied stillbirth cases.

Explanation: Maternal conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diabetes are collectively estimated to contribute to approximately 10% of stillbirth cases.

Explanation: The source specifically identifies syphilis and malaria as bacterial infections capable of crossing the placental barrier and causing stillbirth.

Explanation: Pulmonary hypoplasia, a birth defect characterized by the underdevelopment of the lungs, contributes to stillbirth by severely compromising the fetus's respiratory capacity, making survival outside the womb highly improbable.

Explanation: A pregnancy that extends beyond the typical due date, defined as a postdate pregnancy, is a recognized risk factor for stillbirth, potentially due to the aging and diminished function of the placenta, which can compromise fetal well-being.

Explanation: During a placental abruption, the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, resulting in maternal hemorrhage and, critically, depriving the fetus of essential oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to stillbirth.

Explanation: Rh disease is an alloimmune condition where an Rh-negative mother's immune system produces antibodies that target and destroy the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus, potentially causing severe anemia and stillbirth.

Explanation: Celiac disease has been identified as a risk factor for stillbirth, highlighting the critical need for its effective management throughout pregnancy to mitigate potential adverse outcomes.

Explanation: Monoamniotic twins are at an elevated risk for umbilical cord accidents because they share both the same placenta and the same amniotic sac, which increases the likelihood of their umbilical cords becoming entangled and compromising blood flow.

Explanation: A nuchal cord is a specific form of umbilical cord entanglement characterized by the cord wrapping around the fetus's neck, which can lead to constriction and compromise of blood flow.

Explanation: Sleeping on the back after 28 weeks of pregnancy has been identified as a potential risk factor for stillbirth, prompting recommendations for pregnant women to sleep on their side.

Explanation: The primary medical specialties involved in stillbirth cases are Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Neonatology, and Pediatrics, not cardiology and neurology.

Explanation: Women who have experienced a stillbirth face an elevated risk of recurrent stillbirth in a subsequent pregnancy, estimated at 2.5%, which is significantly higher than the general population risk of 0.4%.

Explanation: A noticeable change in fetal movement patterns, particularly a decrease or complete cessation of activity, is a critical initial sign that warrants immediate medical evaluation for potential fetal distress or death.

Explanation: While fetal death in utero is a profound loss, it typically does not pose an immediate severe health risk to the pregnant woman. However, waiting beyond two weeks for labor to begin spontaneously increases the risk of developing blood clotting problems.

Explanation: While a pregnant woman may *choose* immediate labor induction to mitigate psychological trauma, the medical recommendation for induction to prevent *health risks* (specifically blood clotting problems) is typically after two weeks following fetal death in utero.

Explanation: A Caesarean birth is generally not recommended for stillbirth unless specific complications arise during labor. Vaginal delivery through induced labor is the typical practice for a single stillborn baby, primarily for maternal health.

Explanation: The primary medical specialties engaged in the care and study of stillbirth cases are Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Neonatology, and Pediatrics, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of managing such events.

Explanation: For women who have experienced a stillbirth, the risk of a recurrent stillbirth in a subsequent pregnancy is approximately 2.5%, which is notably higher than the general population risk.

Explanation: Initial indications of potential fetal distress or death include a noticeable alteration in the fetus's movement patterns or sleep-wake cycles, most critically a reduction or complete cessation of fetal activity.

Explanation: While fetal death in utero is a serious event, it typically does not pose an immediate health risk to the pregnant woman. However, if labor does not spontaneously begin within two weeks, there is an increased risk of developing blood clotting complications.

Explanation: To mitigate the risk of blood clotting problems for the pregnant woman, labor induction is medically recommended approximately two weeks after fetal death in utero, although immediate induction may be chosen for psychological reasons.

Explanation: For a single stillborn baby, the typical medical practice involves inducing labor to ensure the mother's health and prevent complications, a process that can extend up to 48 hours.

Explanation: Ultrasound imaging serves a crucial role in diagnosing stillbirth by providing visual confirmation of fetal status and is also instrumental in identifying underlying medical conditions that may elevate the risk of stillbirth.

Explanation: The average stillbirth rate in the United States is approximately 1 in 160 births, which is significantly higher than 1 in 500 births.

Explanation: Stillbirth rates in the United States have actually shown a significant decline, decreasing by about two-thirds since the 1950s, rather than increasing.

Explanation: Globally, a disproportionate number of stillbirths, approximately 98%, occur in low- and middle-income countries, often attributable to inadequate or inaccessible medical care.

Explanation: Global estimates indicate that in 2021, there were 1.9 million stillbirths worldwide, reflecting a 35% reduction from the 2.9 million recorded in 2000.

Explanation: Stillbirths were not incorporated into the Global Burden of Disease Study until 2015, a significant delay in recognizing their global health impact.

Explanation: In the United States, elevated stillbirth rates are observed among women aged 35 or older, those of low socioeconomic status, African-American women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Explanation: The average stillbirth rate in the United States is approximately 1 in 160 births, equating to about 26,000 stillbirths annually.

Explanation: Since the 1950s, stillbirth rates in the United States have experienced a substantial decline, decreasing by approximately two-thirds.

Explanation: The vast majority of stillbirths worldwide, approximately 98%, occur in low- and middle-income countries, frequently attributed to deficiencies in the quality or accessibility of medical care.

Explanation: Stillbirths were formally integrated into the Global Burden of Disease Study, which quantifies global health losses, in the year 2015.

Explanation: Men often cope with stillbirth by concealing their grief and emotions, prioritizing the support of their partner and attempting to maintain an appearance of strength, rather than openly expressing their sorrow or seeking formal support groups.

Explanation: A 'cuddle cot' is a specialized cooled bassinet designed to allow parents to spend an extended period with their stillborn infant, facilitating the grieving and bonding process before burial or cremation.

Explanation: Among the significant psychological effects experienced by mothers after a stillbirth, intense feelings of guilt are particularly notable, often accompanying grief, apprehension, and depression.

Explanation: Following a stillbirth, men commonly cope psychologically by suppressing their own grief and emotions, often striving to appear strong and provide support for their partner, rather than openly expressing their personal sorrow.

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that in the early 20th century, societal norms often dictated the swift disposal of stillborn infants and an expectation for parents to rapidly overcome their grief and pursue subsequent pregnancies, a stark contrast to contemporary approaches to bereavement.

Explanation: In Japan, a notable cultural practice for memorializing stillborn babies involves the erection of statues of Jizō, a Buddhist deity revered as the patron of children, reflecting a spiritual approach to remembrance.

Explanation: In Australia, a stillbirth is legally defined as a baby born without signs of life that weighs more than 400 grams or has reached more than 20 weeks of gestation, not 500 grams or 24 weeks.

Explanation: The U.S. Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 establishes specific physiological indicators—breathing, heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation, or voluntary muscle movement—as definitive signs of a live birth, distinguishing it from stillbirth.

Explanation: In the U.S., parents cannot claim a tax exemption for a stillborn infant unless the birth was certified as live, even if the infant lived only briefly. State legislation for birth certificates for stillborns does not automatically confer tax exemption status.

Explanation: Following the *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* decision, abortion restrictions enacted in some states have indeed impacted the treatment options available for women experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth, as certain medications and procedures may be affected.

Explanation: In Australia, for a stillbirth to be legally registered, the baby must be born without any signs of life and either weigh more than 400 grams or have reached more than 20 weeks of gestation.

Explanation: The WHO's 1950 definition of 'fetal death,' adopted by Canada, specifies that death after expulsion is indicated by the absence of breathing, heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation, or definite voluntary muscle movements, distinguishing these from transient or fleeting signs.

Explanation: In the United States, there is no single, universally adopted standard definition for 'stillbirth.' Instead, various reporting areas adhere to different guidelines, and many opt to use the term 'fetal death' interchangeably or exclusively.