UK stillbirths rates

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13068789

Summary:
Although the number of stillbirths in the UK is declining compared to 1995, this country has more stillborn infants than other western countries. There are regional differences but it is unclear what causes these differences. A third of all stillbirths have no obvious cause though there are risk factors such as smoking or drinking. About two third of all stillborns had issues involving the placenta, the umbilical cord or infections. More research is needed but women who want to become pregnant are encouraged to embrace a healthy lifestyle and once they are pregnant they should be aware of reduction in the baby’s movement. Support for families who have to coop with this tragedy is important.

Opinion:
There are three major steps in becoming a parent: conception, nine months of carrying the baby and giving birth. Science has taken big steps when it comes to creating babies in test-tubes and this is excellent news for everybody who desperately wants to become pregnant. During the pregnancy there are several ways to ensure that the foetus grows and develops according to the standards. But when it comes to the final stage, giving birth, obstetricians let nature take its course. Is it not time to modernize these medieval practices? It might help reduce the number of stillbirths and the agony of women in labour.