Stillbirth and Intrauterine Death
Support and what to expect
Stillbirth, also called intrauterine death (IUD), is when a baby dies in the womb during pregnancy. It is a deeply distressing experience, and for many families it comes as a complete shock.
Sometimes there are warning signs such as reduced baby movements, but often there are no clear symptoms. In some cases a cause is identified, while in others no clear reason is found.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a stillbirth is legally defined as a baby who is born without signs of life and:
- weighs 400 grams or more at birth, or
- is born after 20 weeks of pregnancy
If you are going through this, you are not alone. Your maternity team is there to support you and your whānau through each step, at your pace.
What happens after the diagnosis
Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) and hospital team will take time to explain the diagnosis and answer your questions. In most cases, labour and birth will be planned, usually with an induction. Your team will talk through timing, pain relief options, and who you would like with you for support.
You will be cared for in a private, supportive space wherever possible, with staff experienced in bereavement care.
Meeting your baby
You will be offered the opportunity to spend time with your baby. Many families choose to hold their baby, take photos, create hand and footprints, name their baby, or include cultural, spiritual, or family traditions. There is no right or wrong way to approach this, and your wishes will always be respected.
Memory-making can feel incredibly important for some families, while others may prefer less contact. You can decide what feels right for you.
Understanding why it happened
You may be offered investigations to try to understand why your baby died. This can include blood tests, examination of the placenta, or a post-mortem. These are always your choice, and you can take time to decide.
Sometimes a clear reason is found, but sometimes there is no obvious cause. Your care team will discuss results with you when they are available.
Physical recovery
After the birth, your team will continue to care for you as you recover physically. This may include monitoring bleeding, pain relief, and support if your milk comes in. A follow-up appointment is usually arranged to check your recovery and talk through any results or future planning when you feel ready.
Legal registration in New Zealand
In New Zealand, when a stillbirth meets the legal definition, the birth and death must be registered. Your hospital team or midwife will guide you through this process and help complete the required paperwork.
Registering your baby means their birth is formally recorded, and you can choose your baby’s name. You will receive a stillbirth certificate, and you may choose to arrange a funeral or memorial if you wish. You do not have to make these decisions immediately, and support is available to help you take things one step at a time. There is no way in New Zealand to receive a birth certificate for a stillbirth that doesn’t state deceased or stillborn. This can feel triggering to a lot of parents.
Emotional support
Grief after stillbirth is deeply personal and can feel overwhelming. Support is available, and you do not have to go through this alone. You may be offered support from bereavement midwives, social workers, counsellors, or community organisations.
Some parents find comfort in talking, while others prefer quiet support.
Grief has no timeline.
Support organisations and resources in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Sands New Zealand - nationwide bereavement support, local groups, resources, and remembrance events
- Baby Loss NZ - practical guidance and support following miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss
- Miscarriage Support Auckland - counselling and support available nationwide via phone and online
- Skylight Trust - grief counselling and resources for parents, children, and families
- Whētūrangi Tia Services - information on support, financial assistance, and practical steps after stillbirth
https://wheturangitia.services.govt.nz/stillbirth - Little Miracles Trust - Losing Your Baby guide - practical and emotional guidance for families
https://littlemiraclestrust.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LMT-Losing-Your-Baby.pdf