A baby diagnosed as stillborn, meaning no heartbeat, movement, or breathing after birth, generally cannot be saved as the diagnosis signifies fetal death; however, in rare cases of unexpected stillbirth (where signs of life were missed or ceased just at delivery), immediate, vigorous resuscitation might be successful, with some surviving, though outcomes vary widely, emphasizing the need for quick action if fetal distress is suspected. The term "stillborn" defines the baby as deceased, but medical intervention at the moment of crisis (like reduced movement) can sometimes prevent a true stillbirth from occurring.
Legally your baby can stay with you for as long as you would like, unless the coroner or procurator fiscal (similar to a coroner, in Scotland) has ordered a post-mortem. Some parents like to take their baby home before the funeral. Ask your midwife for information about this.
Stillbirth can be diagnosed by ultrasound examination to show that the baby's heart is no longer beating. After delivery, the baby is found to be stillborn if there are no signs of life such as breathing, heartbeat, and movements.
Of the unexpected apparent stillbirths successfully resuscitated, 52% died or survived severely disabled, 10% had an equivocal outcome, but 36% survived apparently intact. Therefore, vigorous resuscitation is clearly indicated in these circumstances.
It may be important for you to take your baby home allowing you time together quietly and privately with family and friends. You can take your baby home directly from the ward or hospital mortuary once any legal documentation has been completed.
A letter from Services Australia, dated 2 July 2025, confirms that the stillborn baby payment of $4,326.57 is available in cases of intentional abortion where a pregnancy has reached 20 weeks or the child weighs 400 grams.
Problems with the placenta, such as insufficient blood flow. These were the leading causes of stillbirths in the womb, usually after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal genetic problems and congenital anomalies, such as the neural tube defect anencephaly, in which most or all of the fetal brain and skull fails to develop.
In the same way, a sunshine baby is one born before you encounter a loss. This loss may result from: Miscarriage: the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 to 24 weeks. Stillbirth: a baby who is born without any signs of life at or after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy: a fertilized egg implants outside the ...
Yes, babies who die do go to heaven. God's mercy and grace extend to these little ones in a way that aligns with His loving nature. For parents and loved ones who have experienced the heart-wrenching loss of a child, this belief offers a deep comfort.
Softening of all organs and connective tissues, laxity of joints. Exudation (leaking) of fluid and hemolyzed blood into pleural (lungs), pericardial (heart) and peritoneal (abdomen) cavities. The fetus looks edematous (hydrops-like), later progressive loss of fluid results in mummification.
This study, published in The Lancet, has investigated 14,452 births in women from Finland, Norway and Australia between 1980 and 2016, who had previously experienced a stillbirth. 63 per cent became pregnant again within 12 months of a stillbirth.
Healthcare providers classify stillbirths based on the number of weeks of pregnancy before the fetus passes.
Funeral, burial and cremation
It is a legal requirement that the body of a stillborn baby or a baby who dies in the newborn period be buried, cremated, placed in a mausoleum or a permanent resting place.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
After a stillbirth, many parents want to see and hold their baby. It's entirely up to you whether you wish to do so. You'll be given some quiet time with your baby if this is what you want.
An angel baby is a child who has died, before, during or after birth. A rainbow baby is a child live born after an angel baby. The term “rainbow” represents the light that follows the darkness of a storm and signals hope for brighter days.
Even though you lost your child during pregnancy or soon after, you are still a parent. Take care of yourself.
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
The official awareness colors of the cause are pink and blue and are used for the campaign's awareness ribbon.
Whether or not the pregnancy ended in stillbirth, most women reported having experienced at least one stressful life event in the previous year. The researchers found that 83 percent of women who had a stillbirth and 75 percent of women who had a live birth reported a stressful life event.
The most common symptom of stillbirth is when you stop feeling your baby moving and kicking. Some people can also experience cramps, pain, or vaginal bleeding.
After a fetus dies, labour will usually begin on its own within 2 weeks. But if you don't want to wait that long, you can choose to have labour induced. This means going to the hospital and, usually, getting medicine that starts the labour process.
Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement
To be eligible for a newborn payment of up to $667 (for each child) which is not taxable you must: have a baby or adopt a child; be eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
If a child is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy: the birth mother can get up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave or pay.
Some parents decide to take their baby home with them. Legally you can do this, unless a coroner or procurator fiscal has ordered a post-mortem (a medical examination to help find out why your baby died).