Statistics are a fickle thing.  They can bring comfort and they can bring fear. Depending which side of them you find yourself.   I find that in most circumstances people are naturally optimistic in the face of statistics, unless we have personally experienced the alternative, we place ourselves and our hope in being on the right side. The successful side.  The side without the dire consequences.  

But the reality is, that statistics only work if people fulfill both sides. This is often lost on people when talking about ‘rare’ or ‘uncommon’ … making it such a huge shock and body blow moment when the unthinkable happens.  And sometimes, the unthinkable isn’t actually that ‘rare’.  This too can come as a shock when you find yourself experiencing something as heartbreaking as pregnancy loss.  

Until you find yourself walking amongst the bereaved many don’t realise just how many things can and do go wrong on the journey to have a living child. IVF/embryo loss, chemical pregnancy, 1st trimester miscarriage, ectopic, missed miscarriage, molar pregnancy, 2nd trimester miscarriage, termination for medical reasons, pre-term complications, stillbirth, cord accidents, labour and delivery trauma….and this only scratches the surface. 

Heartbreakingly, miscarriages are not uncommon. With up to one in five pregnancies ending before week 20.  Just think about that for a second, consider all the women in your life and apply 1 in 5.  In Australia the tragic loss of a baby in-utero after the 20 week mark is considered a stillbirth and in 2015-2016 there were 4,263 very loved and longed for babies stillborn1.  

That is a staggering 1 in every 135 pregnancies.  Sadly, these numbers have not improved.  

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) the major causes of stillbirth in Australia are congenital abnormality, ‘unexplained death’, premature birth, perinatal conditions, and maternal conditions.   

There are still so many unknowns regarding the causes of stillbirth with around 20% of stillbirths remaining unexplained.  However, this figure is substantially higher in the 3rd trimester with 30% of losses between weeks 32-35 and as high as 39% of stillbirths at 36+ weeks remaining unexplained.2 

The AIHW reports that Australia compares well internationally on perinatal mortality, although the overall rate of stillbirths in Australia is not declining, ‘Australia is one of the safest places in the world for a baby to be born, yet … every day in Australia, 6 babies are stillborn and 2 die within 28 days of birth’.3 

The facts are that pregnancy loss is not rare.  It is not uncommon. So why is it then that so many women and their families who experience such tragedy, continue to report their shock and disbelief when it happens to them.  Especially in the case of stillbirth.  

Education and awareness around the risks, types and prevention of pregnancy loss is still significantly lacking.  It’s an uncomfortable topic, especially for excited and often already anxious mothers to be.  What’s more uncomfortable however, is learning about it when it’s too late.  It adds to the grief, the horror, the guilt.  I should know.  

Not talking about the risks and prevalence of stillbirth is also hindering the conversation around prevention.  Not all stillbirths are preventable, but many are if women know what to look out for.  If women are empowered with the knowledge of how their pregnancy should be monitored, the practical things they can do to keep themselves and their baby safe and awareness around when to seek additional assistance.  

Instead, many women remain concerned about appearing neurotic, or worse when they do seek help they are treated as such or met with outdated myths.  Slowly the messaging is starting to change, but it is still often only heard in echo chamber of loss.  It needs to be heard earlier, in school education, from GPs in pre conception consults, from midwives, OBGYNs any other medical professionals working with women of child bearing age.  

A lack of adequate research and investigation into stillbirths around the country may also result in possible missed diagnoses and may further hinder prevention messaging.  Fortunately, there are incredible organisations such as the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, Red Nose and Bears of Hope working hard to advocate for more to be done in this space, driving education, awareness and support services. While research focused organisations such as the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (CRES) continue to lead national research, resources and evidence-based advice dedicated to preventing stillbirth and improving health and social outcomes for women. 

However, breaking the stigma around pregnancy loss is something everyone can play a role in. By sharing your own personal stories and experiences or being a listening ear for another.  By speaking up and not shying away, by correcting misinformation and being an advocate for women.  The old adage that knowledge is power couldn’t be more fitting, and if your conversation saves even one baby’s life, how incredibly meaningful would that be.