ORAL PRESENTATION Open Access Sleep practices and risk of stillbirth: implications for prevention and research

Stillbirth research is hindered by a lack of a uniform definition and a lack of an internationally agreed proto-col for the investigation of a death. However, the major issue is that not all stillbirths have an autopsy [1], and many are not investigated at all. Mortality reviews (case series) are descriptive and hypothesis generating. In New Zealand the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee reviews all deaths from 20 weeks gestation to 28 completed days after birth, or weighing at least 400g if gestation is unknown [2]. In 2009 the stillbirth rate was 6.3/1000 births. 25 % were unexplained, and half of these occurred at term. 22 % were not investigated. Maori and Pacific mothers were at higher risk and rates were increased in the most deprived socioeconomic quintile