stillbirth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stillbirth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or formal contexts to refer to the birth of a baby that is born without signs of life after a certain gestational age. Example: "The hospital provided support for families who experienced a stillbirth, offering counseling and resources to help them cope with their loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's tempting to call Rubio's book a stillbirth of the American regeneration, since it seems unlikely that it will ultimately be put to any campaign use.

The Guardian - Opinion

My particular favourite in this collection is "A Temporary Matter", a beautiful mediation on grief, love and loss as a couple try to come to terms with the stillbirth of their child.

The Guardian

There are women who write to me about their experiences, and some of them don't get to see any kind of therapist for two weeks [after a stillbirth].

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I didn't really feel like I needed a life lesson – I'd been through enough [a miscarriage in 2010 and a stillbirth in 2011].

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maternity units in London experience stillbirth rates that are almost 50% higher than many other UK region and 15% higher than the average for the country.To add to these statistics, a recent survey by the Healthcare Commission into maternity services in the UK shows that London in particular underperforms the rest of the country.A solution to this crisis is possible, but requires political will.

The Economist

A mother in central India is more than three times as likely to have a stillbirth as is a mother in India's southern state of Kerala.

The Economist

Congenital toxoplasmosis may result in stillbirth or abortion; infected infants may show various symptoms including jaundice, encephalitis, mental defects, and eye disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet even this high incidence represents only a small fraction of chromosome mutations since the vast majority are lethal and result in prenatal death or stillbirth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Listeriosis is dangerous particularly for pregnant women, because it can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, and for infants and persons with weakened immune systems, in whom it can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia (blood poisoning).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Spontaneous abortion of recognized pregnancies and stillbirth also are fairly common, but their incidence is difficult to quantify.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In type II OI, the most severe form of the disease, stillbirth is common, or fractures are evident at birth; severe crippling often occurs, and survival to adulthood is uncommon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "stillbirth", be sensitive and respectful, especially when addressing personal experiences. Use empathetic language and avoid insensitive clichés.

Common error

Avoid using "stillbirth" and miscarriage interchangeably. Miscarriage refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation, while "stillbirth" refers to the death of a fetus at or after 20 weeks.

Linguistic Context

The term "stillbirth" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the event of a baby being born deceased. Ludwig examples showcase its use in medical, personal, and statistical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness for referring to the delivery of an infant which is dead at birth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "stillbirth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun that refers to the birth of a dead fetus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the delivery of an infant without signs of life. Its usage spans across various contexts, from medical and scientific discussions to personal narratives, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples. While the term itself is neutral, it often appears in sensitive and empathetic contexts. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express the same concept, each with slightly different connotations. To avoid confusion, it's important to differentiate "stillbirth" from miscarriage, which occurs earlier in pregnancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fetal death

Refers to the death of a fetus, whether before or during delivery, and is often used interchangeably but is a more clinical term.

intrauterine fetal demise

This is a medical term for the death of a fetus in the uterus, focusing on the location and timing of the death.

birth of a deceased infant

A direct and descriptive alternative emphasizing the infant's state at birth.

loss of a baby

A more general and empathetic way to describe the event, suitable for sensitive conversations.

perinatal death

Encompasses both stillbirths and early neonatal deaths, broadening the scope slightly.

antepartum death

Specifically indicates death occurring before the onset of labor.

infant death

A broader term that includes deaths after live birth, so it is less specific than "stillbirth".

pregnancy loss

A broader term including miscarriage and other forms of ending pregnancy. As such it is more generic than "stillbirth".

unsuccessful delivery

Focuses on the outcome of the birthing process, less specific regarding the cause.

neonatal demise

Refers to the death of a newborn, this is related to "stillbirth" but not exactly the same, as it refers to a live birth followed by death.

FAQs

What is the definition of "stillbirth"?

A "stillbirth" is the birth of a baby that is born without signs of life at or after 20 weeks of gestation. It is different from a miscarriage, which occurs earlier in pregnancy.

What are some alternative terms for "stillbirth"?

While "stillbirth" is the most common term, you can also use phrases like "fetal death" or "intrauterine fetal demise", particularly in medical contexts. In more sensitive situations, you might use "loss of a baby".

How does "stillbirth" differ from neonatal death?

"Stillbirth" refers to the death of a fetus before or during birth, while neonatal death refers to the death of a live-born infant within the first 28 days of life. Although both are tragic events, they occur at different stages.

What resources are available for parents who have experienced a "stillbirth"?

There are many organizations that provide support and resources for parents who have experienced a "stillbirth", such as Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and various hospital-based support groups. These resources offer counseling, grief support, and information to help parents cope with their loss.