Challenges in developing prediction models for stillbirth.

Abstract

Stillbirth is a major global public health problem, but in the absence of a robust method to predict a woman's individualized risk of stillbirth, identifying women at increased risk remains a challenge. Awareness of factors that increase risk is a necessary step in improving care through better communication and shared decision-making, with the goal of reducing stillbirths. Despite a high proportion of unexplained stillbirths, many women have one or more risk factors that are often unrecognized (Flenady, V. et al Lancet 2011, 377, 1331-40).