What gestation period is considered a stillbirth?

A stillbirth is defined as the loss of a fetus at or beyond a certain gestational age, reflecting a condition where the fetus has died in utero. The significance of the gestational age of 20 weeks or more is primarily due to the medical definitions and legal considerations surrounding pregnancy and fetal development. At this point, the fetus has reached a level of maturity where it is possible to have developed many vital functions.

The distinction for stillbirth at 20 weeks aligns with public health regulations and helps ensure consistent reporting and tracking of pregnancy outcomes. This threshold is crucial for understanding maternal and fetal health, as it separates it from early pregnancy loss where the fetus may not have reached viability. Therefore, any loss of the fetus after the 20-week mark falls under the classification of stillbirth, which is essential for both statistical data and clinical care practices.