Talking about stillbirth is really hard because no one wants to think about it when they are pregnant. However, we know that it happens. It is better to have a yarn about it so you know what to do to minimise the chance of it happening and to know what to do if you feel like something is wrong with bub.
Although some stillbirths cannot be prevented, there are some things you can do during pregnancy to minimise the risk of something going wrong for bub.
***Key Points***
Ways to minimise or reduce the risk of stillbirth
- Quit smoking
- Lay on your side for sleep after 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Monitor your bubs movements
***Key Points***
***Quit Smoking***
We all know that smoking is no good for you and bub but did you know it can be a reason that can cause stillbirth? Every puff on a smoke can have negative effects on bub.
It can be really hard to quit, especially if others in your family and household smoke. We want you to know that support is available to help you quit. Quitting at any time during pregnancy is good for you and bub, however the earlier you can, the better. You can ask your midwife or Aboriginal Health Worker for support. You can also call the Aboriginal Quitline and ask to speak to an Aboriginal Quitline Counsellor. You are not alone on this journey of quitting smoking and many mothers do it during their pregnancy.
***Quit Smoking***
***Sleep on your side***
Lay on your side to sleep after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Laying on your side after 28 weeks of pregnancy to sleep can reduce the chance of bub being stillborn by half! When you are laying down on your back, it presses on major blood vessels. This means it can reduce blood flow to your uterus and the oxygen supply to bub might slow down or not be enough.
If you wake up in the night and you find you are on your back, don’t worry. People always toss and turn and change positions when they are sleeping. Just roll back onto your side, it doesn’t matter if it is your left or ride side and go back to sleep.
***Sleep on your side***
***Movements matter***
Pay attention of bubs movements
As bub grows, you will start to notice their patterns. You will start to feel bubs movements from around 15-24 weeks. You will notice times of day and night where they are most active and when they have quieter times. You might think of your bub as a footballer, a ballerina or a runner! Each bub has their own patterns. You know better than anyone else what is normal movement for your baby.
If you start to feel bubs movements are slowing or feels unusual compared to normal, you should seek help from your health care team as soon as you can. Do not waste time and please know that you will not be wasting anyone’s time by doing this. You are doing the best by your bub by seeking help when you are worried about your bub.
***Movements matter***
