Stillbirth: meaning, definitions and examples
😢
stillbirth
[ ˈstɪl.bɜːrθ ]
medical term
Stillbirth refers to the birth of an infant that has died in the womb at or after 20 weeks of gestation. This tragic outcome can occur due to various factors such as genetic abnormalities, complications with the placenta, or issues related to the mother’s health. It is a deeply distressing experience for parents and families, often associated with significant grief and emotional challenges. Understanding the causes and implications of stillbirth is essential for providing support to affected families and improving prenatal care.
Synonyms
fetal demise, intrauterine fetal death, late fetal death.
Examples of usage
- The doctor explained the risks of stillbirth during the pregnancy.
- Families coping with stillbirth often seek counseling for grief support.
- Advances in medical technology have helped reduce the rates of stillbirth.
- Educating parents about stillbirth can help raise awareness.
Translations
Translations of the word "stillbirth" in other languages:
🇵🇹 natimorto
🇮🇳 मृत जन्म
🇩🇪 Totgeburt
🇮🇩 kelahiran mati
🇺🇦 мертвонародженість
🇵🇱 martwe urodzenie
🇯🇵 死産
🇫🇷 mort-né
🇪🇸 nacimiento muerto
🇹🇷 ölü doğum
🇰🇷 사산
🇸🇦 ولادة ميتة
🇨🇿 mrtvě narozené dítě
🇸🇰 mŕtvo narodené dieťa
🇨🇳 死产
🇸🇮 mrtvorojenost
🇮🇸 dauðfæðing
🇰🇿 мертворожденность
🇬🇪 მკვდრადაყოფილი
🇦🇿 ölü doğulma
🇲🇽 nacimiento muerto
Etymology
The term 'stillbirth' originated from the combination of the word 'still,' meaning not moving or quiet, and 'birth,' referring to the process of giving birth. The use of the term can be traced back to the early 17th century, where it was used in medical literature to describe the occurrence of a fetal death prior to or during delivery. The concept gained significant attention in the 19th century with advances in obstetrics and a growing awareness of maternal and fetal health issues. As understanding improved, stillbirth became an important topic in prenatal care and public health discussions, leading to research aimed at identifying causes and prevention strategies. Historically, the stigmas surrounding stillbirth often left families feeling isolated, but increasing advocacy has helped to promote a greater understanding and support for those affected by this tragic event.