How is "Stillbirth" characterized?

Stillbirth is characterized as the expulsion of a fetus that shows no signs of life after reaching a specific gestational weight. This definition emphasizes that the fetus must be at a stage of development where it has reached a viable weight, generally considered to be around 24 weeks of gestation, although some jurisdictions may vary in their specific criteria. This classification is important as it helps differentiate stillbirth from other types of pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriages or abortions, which may occur at earlier gestational ages or under different circumstances.

The distinction made by focusing on the signs of life is crucial in medical and legal contexts, as it highlights the difference between a stillborn child and a live birth that results in death shortly thereafter. Understanding this characterization is vital for healthcare professionals, as it influences how they approach care during pregnancy, delivery, and the follow-up support for families who experience stillbirth.