stillbirth

[stil-burth]

noun

1. the birth of a dead child or organism.

2. a fetus dead at birth.

stillbirth

1. The birth of a fetus that has died; particularly, birth of a fetus that has died in the uterus at a stage in development when an infant could survive on its own if born healthy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stillbirth¹

First recorded in 1745–55; still ¹ + birth

Example Sentences

Births, fertility, stillbirth and age-standardised mortality rates are all at their lowest levels since our records began.

From BBC

“Data also support the benefit of vaccination in reducing pregnancy complications, such as severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, and stillbirth.”

From Los Angeles Times

Medical records showed Mrs John had previously been prescribed antidepressants, and from 2012 had experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, her mother's death and domestic abuse from a former partner in the Caribbean.

From BBC

Currently in Northern Ireland, the death of a baby after 24 weeks is officially recorded as a stillbirth but there is no formal recognition of loss before 24 weeks, as there is in England.

From BBC

Pregnant women who are exposed to lead face a higher risk of premature delivery, stillbirth, miscarriage and having babies with low birth weight.

From Los Angeles Times