Gina Johnson
Born sleeping is a euphemism for stillbirth, or when a baby is born dead, usually after 20-28 weeks of pregnancy. It is a phrase used to soften the blow of the death of a child, as directly addressing the death of a baby is one of the most difficult things to say to expecting parents. Parents who experience this loss may spend time with their baby after birth, which can help them through their grief.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Euphemism for stillbirth |
| Synonyms | Stillborn, miscarriage (fetal death before viability), pregnancy loss (fetal death before viability) |
| Occurrence | After 20-28 weeks of pregnancy |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound scan |
| Support | Bereavement support at the hospital, parent support groups, counsellor, social worker, psychologist |
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What You'll Learn
Born sleeping is a euphemism for stillbirth
"Born sleeping" is a phrase used to refer to a stillbirth, or a baby that is born dead. While the phrase may seem confusing, as sleeping implies that the baby is alive, it is a euphemism used to soften the harsh reality of the situation. The phrase is likely derived from the idea of death being referred to as eternal sleep, providing a gentler way to express the loss of a child.
Stillbirth is a devastating occurrence, and the use of euphemisms like "born sleeping" can provide some comfort to grieving parents. It allows them to talk about their experience without having to directly confront the painful truth. This is similar to other euphemisms used to describe death, such as "passing away" or eternal sleep, which are considered more comforting than saying "died" or "dead."
In the context of stillbirth, "born sleeping" implies that the baby passed away during the middle to late part of pregnancy, typically after 20-28 weeks. It is distinct from miscarriage, which refers to fetal death before 20 weeks. Stillbirth can be a traumatic experience for parents, and they may choose to spend time with their baby, take photos, and even hold a funeral to help with their grief.
While the phrase "born sleeping" is not universally accepted or understood, it serves as a gentle way to express the loss of a child. It is important to recognize that the phrase does not diminish the pain and grief associated with stillbirth but rather provides a way to talk about it that may feel less harsh for some people.
The use of euphemisms like "born sleeping" highlights the difficulty in discussing topics related to death and loss. While it may provide comfort to some, it is also important to be direct and clear in communicating such sensitive information to ensure understanding and provide appropriate support. Overall, the phrase "born sleeping" is a euphemism that allows individuals to talk about stillbirth in a way that feels less painful and more comforting during an incredibly difficult time.
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Parents can choose to spend time with their baby after stillbirth
"Born sleeping" is a euphemism for stillbirth, which refers to a baby that has died in utero, usually during the middle to late part of a pregnancy, after 20-28 weeks. Stillbirth is a devastating experience for parents, often resulting in grief, anxiety, fear, and suffering.
Parents can choose to spend time with their baby after a stillbirth, and doing so may help them cope with their grief. Many parents have expressed gratitude for the time they spent with their baby, despite the initial difficulty of the decision. Spending time with their baby allowed parents to create memories, share the experience with their partner and family, and say goodbye. It is recommended that parents receive preparation and professional support before, during, and after contact with their baby to prevent the development of mental health issues.
If parents wish to have a post-mortem, it is best to do so as soon as possible after birth. However, it is often still possible to spend time with the baby after the post-mortem. Parents can also arrange to return to the hospital to see their baby after being discharged. When the baby is taken to the mortuary, parents can carry them there and meet the people caring for the baby.
Some parents may be frightened about the appearance of their stillborn baby. In such cases, parents can ask their midwife to describe the baby to them or take a photo for them to see before making a decision. Parents may choose to start by seeing just the baby's hand or foot.
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Stillbirth can be detected with an ultrasound scan
"Born sleeping" is a euphemism for stillbirth, where a baby is born dead, usually after 20–28 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy loss and can be caused by a variety of factors.
Ultrasound scans are a common tool used to detect stillbirth. Ultrasounds can be used to find the fetus's heartbeat and detect any abnormalities. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to confirm a stillbirth when there is an inability to detect fetal heart tones. While ultrasounds can help detect stillbirth, they may not always show abnormal findings. For example, in cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, there are usually no abnormal ultrasound findings, although certain issues like cerebral hemorrhage and cardiomegaly may be detected.
Regular ultrasound scans during pregnancy can help monitor fetal growth and development. In the third trimester, women who opt for private antenatal care may receive more frequent ultrasound scans, sometimes up to 5 scans, compared to those receiving standard care, who typically receive 1–2 scans. However, the frequency of scans is typically determined by the clinician and may depend on the patient's risk factors.
While ultrasound scans can be useful in detecting stillbirth, they are not the only method. Other imaging techniques, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and autopsies, can also help determine the cause of stillbirth and direct future pregnancy management. Autopsies, in particular, can significantly increase the detection rate of stillbirth causes, increasing from under 20% to over 90%.
In summary, stillbirth can be detected with an ultrasound scan, but it is not the only tool available. Other imaging techniques and procedures, such as autopsies, can also provide valuable information to help understand and manage stillbirths.
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Going to sleep on your side can reduce the risk of stillbirth
The term "born sleeping" is a euphemism for stillbirth, referring to a baby that has died in utero, usually after 20-28 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is a common tragedy, occurring several million times a year worldwide, and while rates have decreased in many countries, there are still large numbers of preventable stillbirths.
One way to reduce the risk of stillbirth is for pregnant women to sleep on their sides. A 2025 mega-study found that going to sleep lying on the back from 28 weeks of pregnancy increased the risk of stillbirth by 2.6 times, regardless of other risk factors. This is because the supine position can reduce blood flow to the womb by up to 80%, and while healthy unborn babies may be able to compensate for this, vulnerable babies may not. The study concluded that if every pregnant woman went to sleep on her side after 28 weeks, about 6% of late stillbirths, or about 153,000 baby deaths, could be prevented each year.
The findings of this study are particularly significant as they provide a simple and modifiable way to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Previous public health campaigns have advised against sleeping on the back in late pregnancy, but it is important to also consider the potential harm that such campaigns can cause. Women who experience stillbirth often blame themselves and wonder if their behaviour contributed to the loss of their child. Additionally, women cannot always control their sleep position due to movement during sleep, and some may experience anxiety about harming their baby if they wake up on their back. Therefore, while it is reasonable to advise pregnant women to sleep on their sides, it is also important to continue researching the effects and consequences of such recommendations.
It is worth noting that the data on sleep position and stillbirth are derived from case control studies, which are prone to recall bias. Additionally, some women may experience discomfort when lying on their backs due to hypotension, light-headedness, and nausea, and will naturally move to a different position. Nevertheless, the mega-study included information from a large number of women and confirmed the findings of previous research, providing the strongest evidence yet that sleeping on the side during the last trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of stillbirth.
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Bereavement support is available for parents following a stillbirth
"Born sleeping" is a euphemism for stillbirth, which refers to a baby that has died in utero, usually during the middle to late part of a pregnancy, after 20-28 weeks. Stillbirth is a devastating experience for parents, families, communities, and caregivers. Bereavement support is crucial in helping parents cope with the loss of their child and can help mitigate some of the negative short and long-term psychosocial consequences.
High-quality bereavement care should include supportive and compassionate staff who are trained to care for grieving parents effectively. This includes providing clear and timely information, offering choices such as the mode of birth and whether to see and hold their baby, and being prepared to provide ongoing support after birth and discharge. However, studies have consistently highlighted the lack of specific bereavement care training for healthcare providers, which is a barrier to providing high-quality care.
Various organizations offer bereavement support for parents following a stillbirth:
- The International Stillbirth Alliance promotes global collaboration in stillbirth prevention and provides care and resources for parents who have experienced a loss.
- The MISS Foundation supplies ongoing support to grieving families.
- First Candle is a nonprofit organization that hosts online support groups for parents, caregivers, researchers, and various other groups working to advance infant health and survival.
- The Star Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit community of parents, families, and friends who have experienced loss due to stillbirth. They aim to increase awareness, support research, promote education, and encourage family advocacy.
- Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support serves those affected by pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant death in the first few months of life by providing resources, information, and education.
These organizations provide valuable resources, support groups, and education to help parents navigate their grief and improve their well-being following a stillbirth.
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Frequently asked questions
Being "born sleeping" is a euphemism for being stillborn, or having died in utero during the middle to late part of a pregnancy, usually after 20-28 weeks.
"Your baby is dead" may be the worst thing you could say to expecting parents, so people find gentler ways to express it. Saying that someone has "passed away" or is "sleeping" is softer than saying they have "died".
A stillbirth is diagnosed if a baby's heart has stopped beating. This can be detected with an ultrasound scan during pregnancy.
You will receive bereavement support at the hospital as well as information about future support. Parent support groups are helpful for many parents. Your doctor may recommend a referral for support with a counsellor, social worker, or psychologist with specialist experience.
