Improving practice in stillbirth prevention: updated PSANZ/Stillbirth CRE position statements and guidelines

The Safer Baby Bundle (SBB) is a national bundle of care initiative comprising five evidence-based elements that address key areas where improved practice can reduce the number of stillborn babies. The Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence (Stillbirth CRE), in partnership with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ), has updated their national position statements and guidelines for each element of the SBB. The five elements of the SBB include supporting women to stop in pregnancy; improving screening and surveillance for fetal growth restriction; improving awareness and management of decreased fetal movement; improving awareness of maternal safe sleeping position; and improving decision-making around timing of birth for women with risk factors. Multidisciplinary expert working groups were established for each of the five SBB elements, comprising members from across Australia and New Zealand. During the past 12 months, a team of researchers and clinicians from the Stillbirth CRE have met regularly to critically appraise current literature, evidence, and recommendations; and to review existing resources for healthcare professionals and pregnant women. This process has led to an update of the position statements and guidelines to ensure that they align best practice recommendations with current evidence. Four new position statements and one updated guideline (decreased fetal movements) with clinical care pathways and information brochures for women have been updated and will be implemented as part of the ongoing SBB national rollout. Where evidence was limited, best practice guidance was established by consensus. Updates to developed resources have been endorsed by peak professional organisations.