Stillbirths are a devastating reality for many families in the United States, with a new study revealing that the rate of stillbirths is actually higher than previously reported. Led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General Brigham, the study sheds light on the prevalence of stillbirths and the factors that contribute to this heartbreaking outcome.
According to the study published in JAMA, stillbirths impact nearly 21,000 families each year in the U.S. While most stillbirths are associated with at least one clinical risk factor, a significant number occur without any identifiable risk factors, particularly those that occur at 40+ weeks gestation. This highlights the urgent need to improve stillbirth risk prediction and prevention strategies.
The researchers analyzed data from over 2.7 million pregnancies in the U.S. between 2016 and 2022, identifying 18,893 stillbirths. They examined various clinical factors, including gestational age at delivery, pregnancy risks such as obesity and hypertension, fetal risks like anomalies, and obstetric risks such as a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
One alarming finding was that the rate of stillbirths in the U.S. is higher than previously reported, with one in 150 births ending in stillbirth. This rate is even higher in low-income areas and areas with a higher proportion of Black families. The study also revealed that a significant portion of stillbirths occur without any clinical risk factors, particularly at later gestational ages.
While progress has been made in stillbirth research and prevention efforts, the rates in the U.S. remain higher than in other countries. The study’s authors hope that these findings will lead to policy changes, improved clinical practices, and further research to prevent stillbirths and support families who experience this tragedy.
The study also highlights the need for more research into the socioeconomic factors that influence stillbirth rates, including social determinants of health, healthcare access, and clinical risk factors. By addressing these factors, we can work towards reducing the burden of stillbirths and ensuring that no family has to endure this heartbreaking outcome.
This groundbreaking study was led by Haley Sullivan, a student in the Harvard Ph.D. Program in Health Policy, with co-authorship from Harvard Chan’s Anna Sinaiko. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and efforts to prevent stillbirths and support families affected by this devastating loss.
For more information on this study, you can access the full article in JAMA with the DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.17392. This research was conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, highlighting their commitment to advancing public health research and addressing critical issues like stillbirth prevention.
