How can something so devastating remain so hidden? Recent research has revealed that the rate of stillbirths in the United States is actually higher than previously reported—and perhaps most surprisingly, many of these heartbreaking losses happen with no identifiable clinical risk factors.

What the Latest Data Tells Us About Stillbirth Rates

For years, official numbers painted a certain picture of pregnancy outcomes in America. But a deeper look at recent studies suggests that thousands more families are affected by stillbirth each year than earlier estimates indicated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a stillbirth as the death of a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, before or during delivery. According to their latest data, about 1 in every 175 births results in a stillbirth—but some studies suggest even this figure may be an undercount due to reporting differences between states and hospitals.

A recent analysis published by JAMA shows that not only are rates higher than previously believed, but the underlying reasons aren’t always well understood.

Stillbirths Without Clinical Risk Factors

One of the most surprising findings is that a large proportion of stillbirths occur in pregnancies where no obvious clinical risk factors—like high blood pressure or diabetes—are present.

So what does this mean? For many families who experience pregnancy loss, there’s often no clear medical explanation or warning sign.

Some possible contributors to unexplained stillbirths include:

• Undetected placental problems
• Umbilical cord accidents
• Genetic abnormalities not screened for during pregnancy
• Environmental exposures
• Lack of consistently applied reporting standards across hospitals

This uncertainty leaves families searching for answers while also limiting how doctors can help prevent future losses.

Who Is Most Affected By Higher Stillbirth Rates?

Sadly, not all groups are affected equally when it comes to stillbirth rates in the U.S.

According to the CDC’s most recent reports:

• Black women experience about twice the rate of stillbirth as white women.
• Younger mothers (under 20) and older mothers (over 35) face increased risks.
• Lack of access to quality prenatal care, economic hardship, and chronic stress increase vulnerability.

These disparities highlight why improving maternal health support and reducing barriers to care is so important for lowering overall infant mortality rates.

Anecdote: When There Are No Warning Signs

Consider Emily’s story*—she was healthy and attended every prenatal appointment without complication. On her third trimester check-up day, she learned her baby no longer had a heartbeat. Emily had no underlying health conditions and followed every recommendation from her doctor; there were simply no signs that anything was wrong until it was too late.

Stories like Emily’s echo throughout online support groups and advocacy networks across the country—families left with grief and unanswered questions after experiencing a sudden pregnancy loss with no clear reason.

(*Name changed for privacy.)

What Can Be Done About Unexplained Stillbirths?

While some risk factors can be managed—like treating high blood pressure or managing diabetes—many cases continue to puzzle researchers and clinicians alike.

There are ongoing efforts aimed at better understanding why these losses happen:

• Improved Data Collection: Standardizing how hospitals report and classify fetal deaths can help researchers track trends and identify patterns.
• Increased Research Funding: Supporting projects focused on placental health and genetic screening could offer new insights.
• Equitable Access to Care: Making sure all pregnant people receive high-quality prenatal care regardless of background or location.
• Acknowledging Grief: Providing resources for mental health support after pregnancy loss is crucial for healing.

Organizations like the Star Legacy Foundation offer resources for families affected by stillbirth as well as information on current scientific initiatives.

The Path Forward on Stillbirth Awareness

Raising awareness about higher-than-reported stillbirth rates is just one step toward addressing this difficult public health challenge. By improving reporting systems, investing in research, and supporting affected families with compassion—not blame—there’s hope that more answers will emerge over time.

Are you surprised by how common unexplained pregnancy losses are? What changes do you think would make the biggest difference in reducing these numbers?