U.S. Stillbirth Rates Higher Than Previously Estimated, Many Occur Without Known Risk Factors
A recent study conducted by researchers affiliated with Mass General Brigham reveals that the incidence of stillbirths in the United States is substantially higher than earlier estimates, affecting more than one in every 150 births. The analysis, which examined national birth records over the past decade, indicates a revised rate of approximately one in 112 live births ending in stillbirth.
The study highlights that a notable proportion of these cases—nearly half—occurred in pregnancies without any identifiable clinical risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or maternal smoking. This finding challenges conventional assumptions that stillbirths are primarily linked to known medical conditions and underscores gaps in current prenatal screening practices.
Public health officials note that stillbirth, defined as fetal death at 20 weeks of gestation or later, has long been a sensitive but under‑reported metric. Earlier national statistics, based on vital records, placed the stillbirth rate at roughly 0.6 percent. The new analysis, which incorporated more comprehensive data sources and adjusted for reporting inconsistencies, suggests the true figure may be closer to 0.9 percent.
Experts stress that the lack of identifiable risk factors in many cases points to the need for broader surveillance and research into less obvious contributors, such as placental abnormalities, genetic variations, and environmental exposures. “The data indicate that we must look beyond traditional risk markers and improve our understanding of subtle physiological changes that precede fetal loss,” a spokesperson for a national maternal‑health consortium said.
In response to the findings, several state health departments are reviewing their stillbirth reporting protocols, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering updates to its data collection guidelines. Researchers also call for increased investment in longitudinal studies that track pregnancy health from conception through delivery to identify early warning signs.
While the study does not provide immediate solutions, it emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance in prenatal care, enhanced patient education, and the development of more sensitive diagnostic tools. Stakeholders hope that acknowledging the higher prevalence of stillbirths will drive policy changes aimed at reducing preventable fetal deaths and improving outcomes for families nationwide.
