Numerous other viruses have been associated with sporadic stillbirths.

Only about one in 10 stillbirths are caused by a fatal congenital anomaly.

Over half of the cases of sirenomelia will result in stillbirths.

Higher risk of stillbirths and infant deaths’ with pre-existing diabetes

UNICEF also called for more to be done to prevent stillbirths.

Stillbirth rates and neonatal death rates are higher for multiple pregnancies compared to singletons.

The rate of stillbirths almost doubles when mothers are more than 35 years of age,” he continued.

The rate of stillbirths nearly doubles even as mothers are extra than 35 years of age,” he persevered.

Overall, the rate of stillbirths was low, with 44 stillbirths per 10,000 single births and no evidence of a change in rates over the course of this period.

In 2009, the global rate of stillbirths was estimated to be 18.9 per 1,000 births, equating to a total of 2.64 million stillbirths, 1.2 million of which were during labour.

Since 2008 to 2011, the rate of stillbirths has increased 21.5%, from 3.31 per 1,000 in 2008, to 4.28 in 2009, 4.36 in 2010 and 4.01 in 2011.