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Barwon Health / Maternity Services

(03) 4215 2060

Pregnancy loss over 20 weeks gestation

We offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.

Pregnancy loss greater than 20 weeks gestation is called a stillbirth or neonatal death. In Australia, a stillborn baby is defined as a baby that shows no signs of life at birth at or after 20 weeks’ gestation or weighing 400 grams or more. Neonatal death is defined as when a baby is born alive but dies within 28days from birth. In Australia, six babies per day are sadly stillborn and two babies die within 28 days of birth. Although many people may blame themselves for this happening, it is rarely anything they have done, or not done that has caused this to happen. Please speak to your doctor, nurse or midwife if you have any further questions or concerns.

The following resources may be helpful when experiencing pregnancy loss after 20 weeks.

Last Modified: Monday, 26 July 2021