Red Nose recognises that not all pregnancies end with a healthy baby.
Red Nose supports families who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy and is working collaboratively with the researchers and allied organisation to help prevent stillbirth.
Can stillbirth be prevented or the risks reduced?
In Australia over 50% of stillbirths that occur each year, in the last weeks of an otherwise healthy pregnancy, have no known cause or causes.
While not all stillbirths can be prevented, there are steps women can take to reduce the risk of a stillbirth and stay healthy during their pregnancy.
During pregnancy, mums-to-be should:
Not smoke or be around people smoking
- Sleep on their side in their last trimester
- Be conscious of their baby’s movements, and seek immediate medical assistance if something changes.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Your GP, Obstetrician or Midwife will also have lots of practical advice for ways to stay healthy during your pregnancy and reduce your risk of stillbirth.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the death of a child, our bereavement support services are available by calling 1300 308 307, or visit rednosegriendandloss.com.au for more information.
Further resources
Red Nose is a member of the international stillbirth and baby survival community through its membership of the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA) and the International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID).
To discover international activities on stillbirth:
- Visit the ISA website here to access the Lancet Stillbirth Series with publication in 2011 and 2016.
- Visit the ISPID website here to access the Stillbirth Research Register.
Last modified: 1/6/21