Data & Statistics

Stillbirth is more common than people realize, and some factors can increase the risk for stillbirth to occur. Read below for some significant research findings on stillbirth.

Occurrence:

• In 2013, approximately 24,000 stillbirths were reported in the United States. [Read Table B of this report]
• Since the 1940s, improvements in maternity care resulted in a dramatic reduction in the occurrence of stillbirth; however, more recently, the decline has slowed or halted.

[Read summary]

Rate of stillbirth over time by the number of completed weeks of pregnancy: United States, 2000-2013

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Factors that might increase the risk for a stillbirth

• In high income countries,
  • Being obese or overweight during pregnancy contributes to about 8,000 stillbirths each year
  • Advanced maternal age (greater than 35 years) contributes to about 4,200 stillbirths each year
  • Smoking during pregnancy contributes to about 2,800 stillbirths each year.

[Read summary]

Racial/Ethnic Differences

Rates of stillbirth vary by race/ethnicity. [Read report]

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