What can cause a stillborn birth?
There are some indications as to the possible causes of stillbirths, such as infection, accidents with the umbilical cord and genetic factors. Known causes include mothers with a history of diabetes and problems with blood pressure. Other known causes of stillbirths include problems with the placenta and eclampsia, which causes seizures during pregnancy. There may also be severe irregularities or abnormalities in the baby that contribute to the stillbirth. There have been cases of the membrane that encloses the baby tearing or prematurely rupturing. There are a few infections that are also known to cause stillbirths. Although rare, toxoplasmosis has been recorded as a cause. Mothers who have been infected with German measles or listeriosis have also experienced fetal deaths. Stillbirths may also occur when the blood groups of the mother and the baby do not match. This is called Rhesus factor disease, and women who have this condition must be medically treated to prevent stillbirths. An
