stillbirth rate
Percentage of stillborn children in Germany increased last year
Many cemeteries have special areas for deceased babies
© Christoph Hardt/Geisler-Fotopres / Picture Alliance
The proportion of stillbirths in Germany has been increasing since 2010. So also last year, in which 3247 children were born dead. The exact causes for this have not been conclusively researched, several factors are discussed.
A sad rate has increased in Germany over the past year: that of children who are stillborn. 3247 children were stillborn last year. As the Federal Statistical Office announced on Thursday, there were 173 stillbirths, 5 percent fewer than in the previous year. Since the number of children born alive fell by 7 percent compared to the previous year and thus fell more sharply than the number of stillbirths, the so-called stillbirth rate – the relative number of stillbirths per 1000 births – rose from 4.3 to 4.4. According to the information, the stillbirth rate in Germany has tended to increase since 2010.
The reasons for this have not yet been explored in detail. However, the risk is increased in older pregnant women. In addition, the rate of stillbirths among women with a migration background was higher than among those with German nationality. However, that alone cannot explain the increase, since the rate has increased for both Germans and women with a migration background and in all age groups.
These cases are recorded as stillbirths
photography
When a child sees the light of day
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the concept of stillbirths should not be confused with “star children” with a birth weight of less than 500 grams. In 2013, following a petition from an affected couple, there was a change in the Personal Status Act for them. This means that they can be registered at the registry office regardless of their birth weight and given an official first name and buried.