Study: Risk of Stillbirth Week by Week (late third trimester)

[Glamourcide]

Or... just thinking out loud here...
Does the risk of stillbirth only appear to decrease because so few babies are 'allowed' to go so far? Obviously induction of post-date babies is quite common, I can't help but think perhaps the studies are flawed because the vast majority of doctors do suggest and the (usually sick of being pregnant by that stage) mother accepts an induction within a week or so of going past the EDD? So if nobody was induced for going post-dates, would the rate of stillbirths in 41w+ babies then increase because the risk IS there but hardly anybody actually ever gets to 42+ weeks to find out, kwim?

ETA: From my own experience, I would be very reluctant to allow myself to go past 41w. DD1 was induced at 39+5 and her placenta was gorgeous and healthy, but DD2 went to 40+7 and her placenta was pretty much dead - nothing had been picked up but I knew the minute I saw it, and the midwife confirmed, that if I hadn't been booked in for an induction for the very next day (I went into labour spontaneously), chances are she would either have not made it another 24 hours, or would have come very, very, very close because the placenta was so badly deteriorated. Just my experience, obviously, but something I'd be very wary of if I were planning any more babies.

[BellyBelly]

Given that it's a ratio type of result and the way they worded how they worked out the figures, I would assume it would be out of babies born at that week. So if 500 babies were born at 42 weeks, then they would work out a ratio dependent on the stillbirths x:500

[onthefly]

I understand what you mean Glamourcide. For me, my placenta was absolutely wonderful at 42 weeks, so I'd feel fine going longer now.

[edaj84]

Marcellus, I know exactly what you mean. My placenta looked absolutely perfect and healthy, as did my baby that was covered in vernix at 43w+5d

[onthefly]

edaj8 - how did you get to go so long? Seems like pretty much everywhere they're nervous as hell after 42 weeks.

[edaj84]

Homebirth with a trusting midwife (who was rapidly running out of confidence in my baby to leave of her own accord lol)

[onthefly]

Ah!
Yeah, 43+5 would test anyone I think.