Antepartum Testing for Women with Previous Stillbirth

Women with past histories of stillbirth have been referred for antepartum surveillance since the inception of electronic fetal monitoring. However, this approach was originally based on mid-twentieth century perinatal studies that noted an increase in adverse outcomes in pregnancies subsequent to stillbirth. When these landmark studies were done, Rh immune globulin, ultrasonography, and other important medical advances had not yet occurred. This article discusses whether women who have suffered a past stillbirth remain at increased risk for perinatal mortality and morbidity in future pregnancies and whether antepartum fetal surveillance can reduce the risk of recurrent stillbirth.