An increased risk for stillbirth is also associated with the use of certain recreational drugs, particularly cocaine. In addition, there are many other rare causes of stillbirth. Whether or not a specific cause for your baby's death is identified, it is most important to remember that stillbirths most often are not caused by something you did or did not do. Following delivery of a stillborn, parents may be asked to provide consent for extensive evaluation of their baby. If permission is given, evaluations are started soon after the baby's delivery.
Detailed results are usually available and communicated to parents in a few weeks to a few months.
These studies can be helpful for many reasons. Even if some questions remain unanswered, there may be comfort in knowing that as much as possible was learned about the baby and that important information may be added to medical knowledge which could help other babies in the future. The baby is treated respectfully at all times. Agreeing to a comprehensive evaluation does not prevent a family from spending time with their baby or choosing to have a funeral, memorial service, cremation, or burial. Such evaluation is valuable to most parents as they try to deal with the full impact of their loss.