Stillbirth is a devastating outcome, and families often leave the hospital with unanswered questions. Many want to know what caused the loss, whether warning signs were missed, and what the medical record can reveal. This guide explains stillbirth in Illinois, common medical factors, and how Chicago families can organize the next steps with care and clarity.
What stillbirth means
Stillbirth generally refers to the loss of a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later. It can happen during pregnancy or during labor and delivery. The cause is not always clear, which can make the experience even more painful and confusing.
Families often want to know when the loss occurred. That answer can depend on ultrasound findings, fetal monitoring notes, and the timing of reported symptoms.
Medical teams may use different terms such as intrauterine fetal demise or fetal death. These terms describe the same outcome and appear in medical records.
If you are unsure about the wording in your chart, ask your provider to explain it in plain language.
Common medical factors linked to stillbirth
- Placental problems such as abruption or previa
- Umbilical cord issues that reduce blood flow
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar
- Infection in the mother or baby
- Fetal growth restriction or genetic conditions
Sometimes there is more than one factor. A full review often includes maternal health, placental function, and fetal development.
Risk factors do not mean a stillbirth will happen, but they do guide the level of monitoring and the timing of follow up visits.
Some stillbirths remain unexplained even after testing. That uncertainty is difficult, but it is also common. Asking for a clear summary of what was ruled out can help families understand the scope of the evaluation.
If growth restriction was mentioned, ask for the growth percentile and the dates of the measurements. These details can show whether the baby was growing as expected.
Warning signs families describe
- Decreased or absent fetal movement
- Bleeding or leaking fluid
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Sudden swelling, headaches, or vision changes
- Persistent fever or signs of infection
These signs do not always mean a stillbirth is imminent, but they are reasons to seek immediate medical evaluation.
If you were told to do fetal kick counts, the record should show what you reported and what guidance you were given.
If your symptoms were reported by phone or through a portal, ask for those messages. They can show what advice was given and when.
Why timing and response matter
In many cases, stillbirth is linked to a change in fetal status that occurred hours or days before delivery. The medical record should show when symptoms were reported, how the care team responded, and what monitoring or testing was performed.
If a decrease in fetal movement was reported, the record should show whether a non-stress test or ultrasound was done and what the results were. If bleeding was reported, the chart should show evaluation and follow up.
Families often ask whether earlier monitoring could have identified a problem. A clear timeline of symptom reports and test results helps answer that question.
In some cases, additional monitoring is recommended when risk factors are present. The chart should show whether that monitoring occurred and how results were communicated.
What the medical record should include
- Prenatal visit notes and risk factor documentation
- Ultrasound reports and fetal growth measurements
- Notes about reported symptoms and the response
- Fetal monitoring strips or summaries
- Labor and delivery notes
- Placental pathology report (if completed)
- Autopsy report or genetic testing results (if done)
Request the full chart, not just summaries. Timing details often appear in nursing notes and triage records.
Ask for any consult notes from maternal-fetal medicine specialists, if they were involved.
If your prenatal care occurred at multiple clinics, request records from each clinic. Small details can be important when reviewing the full timeline.
Ask whether there were any incident reports or rapid response notes. These documents are not always included in the standard chart but can provide useful context.
Ask for fetal monitoring strips or summaries from any triage visits, not just the final hospital admission. Early monitoring can be important to the timeline.
How to build a clear timeline
Create a timeline that includes:
- When fetal movement changes were first noticed
- When you reported symptoms and how you were advised to respond
- Dates of ultrasounds, non-stress tests, or biophysical profiles
- Any hospital visits and the outcomes
- Time of delivery and key findings
A clear timeline helps specialists understand whether there were missed opportunities for intervention.
Chicago-specific context and second opinions
Chicago has hospitals with different levels of maternal-fetal medicine expertise. If you were transferred or seen by multiple providers, request records from each location. If a placental pathology report was completed at a different lab, ask for that report directly.
Some families choose to seek a second medical opinion after the loss. Having complete records helps a reviewing specialist explain the timeline and possible causes.
If you delivered outside Chicago and were transferred into the city, request EMS and transport records. These often include timing and monitoring details.
If you plan to seek a second opinion, ask for a complete copy of the medical record in a single packet. That makes the review process faster.
Placental and genetic testing
Placental examination and genetic testing can provide important clues, but they are not always performed automatically. Ask the hospital whether placental pathology was completed and whether any fetal testing was done. These results can help answer questions about infection, blood flow, or genetic factors.
If testing was offered and you declined at the time, ask whether any tissue or samples were stored. Policies vary, and some tests may still be possible shortly after delivery.
If you consented to testing, ask for written results and a clear explanation of what the findings mean.
If results mention infection, inflammation, or reduced blood flow, ask how those findings may have affected the baby and whether earlier monitoring could have identified changes.
Recovery and emotional support
Stillbirth is a profound loss. Grief responses vary, and there is no correct timeline. Many families benefit from counseling or support groups. Hospitals often have bereavement resources, and your OB can provide local referrals.
Physical recovery also matters. Follow up visits should address bleeding, anemia, blood pressure, and plans for future pregnancies. Ask for written guidance so you can share it with future providers.
If you experience fever, heavy bleeding, or severe pain after discharge, contact your provider right away.
Some families also request a debrief meeting with the care team. This can be a chance to review what happened and ask questions in a calmer setting.
If you were prescribed medication for blood pressure, anemia, or infection, keep a list of doses and follow-up lab work. It helps your provider track recovery.
Planning for future pregnancies
If you are considering another pregnancy, ask your OB about a preconception visit. A review of records can help identify risk factors and plan closer monitoring. Some families are referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for additional support.
Some families benefit from a written summary of the stillbirth evaluation. Ask for this summary so it can be shared with future providers.
If a specific cause was identified, ask what changes are recommended for a future pregnancy and whether additional testing is advised.
Ask whether you should have earlier ultrasounds or additional fetal monitoring in the next pregnancy. A clear plan can reduce anxiety.
If you are not ready to plan another pregnancy, it is still OK to request a summary of your records now. That summary can be helpful later when you are ready.
What to say (and not say) to insurers
- Do keep statements brief and factual.
- Do not guess about timing or cause.
- Do not sign broad releases before you understand what they cover.
- Do say you are gathering records and will respond after review.
If an insurer asks for a recorded statement, it is reasonable to request time to review records first.
Practical next steps for families
Organize records: Keep prenatal notes, ultrasound reports, and delivery records in separate sections. Label items by date.
Build a timeline: Note when symptoms were reported, when testing occurred, and what the results showed.
Ask clear questions: Was fetal movement documented? Were there signs of placental problems? Was additional monitoring offered?
Plan follow up visits: Confirm the timing of postpartum visits and any specialist appointments.
Keep a grief support list: Write down the names and numbers of counselors, support groups, or social workers you can contact.
Request a summary letter: Ask your OB for a concise summary of the pregnancy and delivery. It helps with future care planning.
Save written results: Keep copies of placental pathology, genetic testing, and any specialist reports in the same folder as your records.
Claim timeline: what to expect
Month 1-2: Record requests, follow up visits, and initial review of results.
Months 3-6: Specialist review of records and clearer understanding of possible causes.
Months 6-12: Ongoing care planning and preparation for future pregnancies if desired.
Longer cases: Some cases require extended review and expert input before conclusions are reached.
Ongoing: Some families continue periodic follow up with maternal-fetal medicine for future pregnancy planning.
As needed: Additional testing or consultations may be recommended if new information arises.
FAQ
Is stillbirth always caused by medical error?
No. Stillbirth can happen even with appropriate care. The medical record is needed to understand the specific factors in a case.
Should we request an autopsy or placental exam?
Many families choose placental pathology because it can provide useful information. Autopsy is a personal decision. Ask your care team about options and timing.
How soon should we request records?
As soon as possible. Early access helps you understand the timeline and any testing that was performed.
When to talk to a lawyer
If you have unanswered questions about the care you received or the response to warning signs, a lawyer can help obtain records and connect you with medical experts for review. Early review helps preserve evidence and clarify options.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and you should consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.