so what happened?
We had an unexplained stillbirth.
A stillbirth with an unknown cause is called an “unexplained stillbirth.” Stillbirths are only deemed unexplained if a complete investigation fails to yield a cause, and ours did. Both of Zade’s placenta and autopsy report came back without a cause. This news was, and still is, extremely difficult to digest.
According to the CDC, stillbirth occurs more commonly amongst certain groups of women - black race, 35 years or older, low socioeconomic status, smoke cigarettes, have certain medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity), have had multiple pregnancies such as triplets or quadruplets, and have had previous pregnancy loss.
I do not check off any of the boxes as stated above. I’m of asian descent, I was 29 at the time, I’ve got free healthcare, I do not smoke, I’m considered a healthy woman, and this was my first pregnancy.
In the US, stats show that the reasons go unexplained in ⅓ of cases. The other ⅔ of cases may be categorized into 3 main causes - birth defects or genetic problems with the baby, problems with the placenta and/or umbilical cord, and certain health conditions in the mother (such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity).
I recall our appointment with the OB when we reviewed the placenta and autopsy report. His words were “You had an unexplained stillbirth. You didn’t do anything wrong.” I remember just staring at him, hoping to find out why. To finally have an answer to why my baby passed away. But there was no answer, there is no answer.
Women who go on to have subsequent pregnancy(ies) after a stillbirth are considered high risk. There is an increased risk of another stillbirth. There is an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and placenta abruption. There would be tons of more appointments, ultrasounds, blood work, tests. Careful and consistent monitoring of the baby’s growth and development. It would also be recommended to deliver the baby prior to 39 weeks, likely closer to 37 weeks - And there are so many risks involved with early delivery. Not to mention, your overall state of mind throughout the pregnancy. The stress. The anxiety. And the hope that you’ll beat the odds, land on the good side of the statistics, and deliver a healthy baby. Fingers crossed.
References:
