Placental Problems

• A placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, depriving the baby of nutrients. High blood pressure induced by pregnancy is another risk. These issues double the risk of a stillbirth, according to the APA.
  
  

Birth Defects

• According to the APA, 5 to 10 percent of stillbirths result from abnormalities due to genetic or environmental concerns. Babies not growing at the appropriate rate are also at risk.
  
  

Other Causes

• Other risks include accidents such as an umbilical cord detachment or a trauma. Risks also include health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure or a pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks.
  
  

Maternal Factors

• Some factors increasing the risk of having a stillborn baby are related to the mother. For example, malnutrition, no prenatal care, smoking and alcohol are factors. Being over 35 years old also increases a woman's risk of having a stillborn baby.
  
  

Prevention

• Avoiding drugs and smoking is one way to help prevent a stillbirth. Monitoring the motions of the baby and alerting a doctor if kicks decrease is another way. If there is any vaginal bleeding, a doctor should be contacted.