PREGNANCY is often a joyous time, so the loss of an expected baby is perhaps the most devastating things than can happen to any couple, and hence the subject may not be talked about as much as is needed.

Stillbirth is defined as the delivery of a baby with no signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy, whereas before this time it is classified as a miscarriage. In the UK stillbirth affects roughly one in 200 pregnancies. It is much more common for it to happen in the womb than during labour.

The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients from the mother to her unborn child, and placental problems make up two thirds of the causes of stillbirth. Genetic abnormalities with the baby are the issue in around ten per cent.

Complications of pregnancy such as infection, high blood pressure and a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis also contribute.

Certain mothers are already at higher risk, including those who smoke, drink alcohol, or who are diabetic or overweight. It is more common in mothers over 35, but also under 20, and in those carrying more than one baby.

An expectant mother may notice her baby is moving less or not at all, and this would be a reason to seek immediate medical help. However, before this, a failing pregnancy may be noted as a baby that is small for dates on ultrasound scan.

If you are unlucky enough to suffer a stillbirth, it is important that the baby is delivered, as left inside it will cause infection, making you very ill. Some women deliver naturally, whereas others need to be induced. Rarely, a caesarean section is required.

The time immediately after a stillbirth will be incredibly upsetting, and the decision to view and hold your baby should be entirely based on how you feel. Some parents would like to know why it happened and examination of the placenta and a post mortem may be offered.

Despite this, no specific cause is found in over half of cases, but it should be noted that most parents who do consent to a post mortem do not regret the decision.

In terms of trying for another baby, some couples wish to start immediately, with others wishing to have a period to grieve, and again, there is no right or wrong way of addressing the situation.

In trying to prevent a miscarriage, the message is to stay as healthy as possible, cutting out alcohol and tobacco if this applies.

You should aim to be active as this improves the overall condition of the placenta. As well as promptly reporting any problems in pregnancy including vaginal bleeding, make sure you attend all your antenatal appointments, as this is when factors that increase the risk of stillbirth can be identified and treated.

It is advised that you try sleep on your side rather than your back, after 28 weeks into the pregnancy.

For those struggling to come to terms with a miscarriage, two leading UK charities provide excellent support. These are Tommy’s www.tommys.org.uk and Sands, www.sands.org.uk.