Research

Sandscampaigning for improved care

In one year in the UK between 5 and 6 babies in every thousand are stillborn, and between 3 and 4 babies in every thousand die in the first four weeks of life.

In total 6502 babies died in 2003. These figures do not include babies stillborn before 24 weeks gestation, as those deaths are not registered.

Many people are surprised to know that rates of baby loss are at this level. The perception is that with the benefits of modern medicine the death or stillbirth of a baby is extremely rare. Sadly this is not true. Babies do still die, and parents and families are left in grief and distress.

Furthermore in 2002 and 2003 the rates of stillbirth actually rose. We would argue that even before then the rates of stillbirth were too high and that more could be done to avoid a significant number of these deaths.

Sands is working to promote research into the causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, and to press for changes in practice that could save more babies’ lives.

• You can read a report on Sands June 2005 national conference, Stillbirths: Causes and Strategies for Prevention .
  
  
• You can read about the International Stillbirth Alliance's 4 day international stillbirth conference in Washington in September 2005.
  
  
• Read about the ISA 2006 international conference in Yokohama, Japan
  
  
• Find out about and register your interest in the 2007 international stillbirth conference to be hosted by Sands and the Perinatal Institute, in England, from 1st - 4th October.