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Our Vision
Our Vision
Our vision is to reduce the devastating impact of stillbirth for women, families and the wider community through improving care to reduce the number of stillborn babies and to reduce the impact of this loss.
People + Partners
People + Partners
Meet the network of people, organisations, and professional institutions driving research and program implementation across the Stillbirth CRE.
Our work
Our Work
Explore some of the latest Stillbirth CRE research projects, scientific studies, and educational campaigns on stillbirth prevention and care after stillbirth.
Parent STories
News + Events
News + events
View the latest news and events from the Stillbirth CRE and our collaborating partners.
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Get Involved
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Safer Baby in pregnancy
Care after loss
Seeking Support
Research and news

Our aim is to improve care to reduce the number of stillborn babies and to reduce the impact of this loss.
Frequently asked questions
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Timing of Birth

Improving decision-making about timing of birth for women with risk factors for stillbirth

For all pregnancies, there’s an optimal time for a baby to be born. When possible, for pregnancies without complications, being born as close as possible to your due date and waiting for labour to start on its own is usually best for you and the development of your baby. Through research we’re discovering that every week your baby continues to grow inside you makes a difference to their short and long term health and developmental outcomes.

In some cases it may be safer to have a planned birth before your due date. A planned birth is when a woman gives birth to her baby at a specific time, and this could be by an induction of labour or less commonly a caesarean section. Sometimes babies need to be born earlier to reduce the chance of complications, especially if you or your baby are unwell or have conditions that increase your chance of stillbirth. If a planned birth is needed, then ideally this should be as close to 39-40 weeks as possible.

The chance of stillbirth and other major complications is generally very low. The decision about the timing of your baby’s birth should be based on balancing the health benefits to you and your baby with any risks specific to your pregnancy. Speak with your midwife or doctor and decide together the safest timing of birth for you and your baby.

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