The mother is usually kept under sedation until the baby is born. It is important that the baby's father is with the mother for the delivery to give comfort. The parents find it easier to cope with the reality of the death if they are able to see the baby immediately after the birth. The parents need to know the chances of subsequent pregnancies ending in this way. They also need time to mourn the loss of the dead baby before embarking on another pregnancy.
Perinatal death refers to death occurring between the moment of birth and a week after birth.
Because the majority of babies are now born in a hospital, the number of perinatal deaths has dropped. However, if death does occur, the parents need the same help and support that parents of a stillborn child need. Sometimes a perfectly healthy baby between the ages of three weeks and seven months is found dead in the crib. There is never an adequate explanation. The parents are left shocked and grief-stricken.