JUST THE FACTS ABOUT STILLBIRTHS

JUST THE FACTS ABOUT STILLBIRTHS
Most stillbirths occur before labor begins.
Sometimes, the pregnant woman will notice that the fetus has stopped moving or kicking. An ultrasound is then usually performed to confirm that the fetus has died. The death can also be discovered during a checkup if the doctor can't detect a heartbeat.
After the death is confirmed, parents face the difficult decision to wait for labor to begin -- usually within two weeks of fetal death -- or to induce it. A Caesarian section for a stillbirth is recommended only if a woman develops problems during delivery.
After delivery, an autopsy can be performed to look for the cause of death, though fetal autopsies are uncommon.
Source: March of Dimes