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International Research
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Scotland – 20% drop in stillbirth in 4 years [iv]
- This came after introduction to “Saving Babies Lives” program now adopted across the board in UK by NHS [v]
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The Netherlands – greater than a 30% reduction in stillbirth in 5 years
- The country has experienced a 6.8% reduction in stillbirths per annum since 2010. [vi]
- The Netherlands adopted a “Count with Me” program which has aided this reduction and seen a continuation of reduced stillbirth rates [vii]
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New Zealand – 30% drop in unexplained late term stillbirth (37-40 weeks) in 3 years [i]
- This drop coincidences with midwives in NZ introducing sleep position advice to pregnant women during pregnancy [ii]
- Three epidemiological studies [iii] have shown that when the pregnant mother sleeps on her back that this increases the risk of stillbirth. A follow up study in NZ, currently undergoing peer review, confirms the finding of these earlier studies.
[ii] “Sleeping On Left Side May Halve Risk Of Stillbirth”. The Conversation. N.p., 2011. Web.
[iii] 1) Stacey, T., et al., Association between maternal sleep practices and risk of late stillbirth: a case-control study. BMJ, 2011. 342: p. d3403. 2) Owusu JT, et al., Association of maternal sleep practices with pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and stillbirth among Ghanaian women. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2013. 121(3): p. 261-5. 3) Gordon A, et al., Sleep position, fetal growth restriction, and late-pregnancy stillbirth: the Sydney stillbirth study. Obstet Gynecol. , 2015 125(2 ): p. 347-55
[iv] “‘Red Light’ Warnings Over Stillbirth Rates At Some Scots Hospitals”. Scotsman.com. N.p., 2016. Web.
[vi] “Sands Response To Figures On Child Mortality Out Today – Reduction In Stillbirth Rates Welcome But Much More Can Be Done”. Sands – Stillbirth and neonatal death charity. N.p., 2015. Web.
[vi] “Ending Preventable Stillbirths: Stillbirth Rates Have Fallen From 2000 To 2015 But There Are Still 2.6 Million Annual Deaths”. ScienceDaily. N.p., 2016. Web.
[vii] Flenady , V. et al. “Detection And Management Of Decreased Fetal Movements In Australia And New Zealand: A Survey Of Obstetric Practice”. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 49.4 (2009): 358-363. Web.