Predicting antepartum stillbirth.

Stillbirth affects approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies and is one of the most common serious complications of pregnancy. Stillbirth can occur as a consequence of diverse processes, including fetal abnormality, isoimmunization, infection, maternal preeclampsia, placental abruption, maternal medical conditions, complications of labor and delivery, growth restriction, and also often occurs in the absence of an apparent cause or predisposing factor. This review summarizes a number of factors which identify women at increased risk of stillbirth, including maternal characteristics, blood tests, and biophysical tests.