The spelling of "still birth" may seem confusing, but it follows the English language's rules for compound words. "Still" is pronounced as /stɪl/, while "birth" is pronounced as /bɜːrθ/. The combination of the two words, pronounced as /stɪl bɜːrθ/, describes the unfortunate event of a baby being born without any signs of life. Despite the difficult nature of the word, understanding its spelling and pronunciation is important to effectively communicate with medical professionals and offer support to families enduring the loss.
Stillbirth is a medical term used to describe the birth of a baby who shows no signs of life. It specifically refers to the loss of fetal life after the 20th week of pregnancy or when the baby weighs more than 500 grams (approximately 1.1 pounds) at birth. A stillborn baby is born without any signs of respiration, heartbeat, or movement. This tragic event can occur in various circumstances, resulting from conditions such as birth defects, genetic abnormalities, infections, or complications during pregnancy or labor.
The term "still birth" is commonly used to encompass both early stillbirths, which occur between the 20th and 27th week of pregnancy, and late stillbirths, which occur from the 28th week onwards. Stillbirths can be emotionally devastating for families, as they involve the loss of a much-anticipated life and the dreams and hopes associated with that child. Additionally, parents often face grief, guilt, confusion, and profound sadness, which may require counseling and support.
In medical practice, stillbirths are investigated through autopsies and examinations to determine the cause, contributing factors, and potential risks for future pregnancies. This information helps healthcare providers give guidance and minimize potential risks to the mother and future pregnancies. Stillbirth prevention efforts often involve promoting healthy pregnancies, early prenatal care, regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and raising awareness about potential risk factors.
In summary, stillbirth refers to the loss of fetal life after the 20th week of pregnancy, in which the baby is born without any signs of life. It is a devastating event for families and requires medical investigation to determine the cause and minimize future risks.
• The birth of a dead fetus.
• The delivery of a dead fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "stillbirth" is a compound word consisting of "still" and "birth".
The word "still" in this context originates from the Old English word "stille", which means "calm, motionless, or silent". In the case of a stillbirth, it refers to the absence of movement or signs of life in a fetus.
The word "birth" comes from the Old English word "byrþ", which means "the act of bringing forth offspring". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "berthiz".
When combined, "stillbirth" refers to the birth of a child who has died in the womb or during the birthing process.