ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Stillbirth is now globally recognized as a major public health problem. However, in both developed and developing countries, efforts to address this problem are limited by the lack of information on the causes and contributing risk factors for stillbirth. Underpinning this lack of information are inadequate approaches to data collection and stillbirth classification. However, the value of any data collection or classification system for stillbirth is primarily dependent on identifying and collating all important information for each case. This is best achieved through a systematic approach to diagnostic investigationor “workup”—and review of findings in the context of the clinical setting in which the death occurred. Although in many developing countries the ability to undertake the most basic diagnostic tests is extremely limited, or even impossible, due to a lack of resources, a systematic approach to collection and review of basic information from clinical history and examination of mother and baby should be achievable. Such data collection, if it were put in place, would constitute a major step forward in addressing stillbirth prevention on a global scale. Accurate data on the underlying causes of stillbirth are essential for epidemiological surveillance and for informing policy and clinical practice improvement.
