Register a stillbirth

When to register a stillbirth

If your baby was born after the 24th week of pregnancy but did not breathe or show any signs of life, you will need to register a stillbirth.

This gives parents an opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged and have their name recorded.

This has to happen before you’re able to have a burial or cremation for your baby.

If your baby was born before 24 weeks and showed no signs of life, this is legally classed as a miscarriage, and you do not need to register it.

If your baby showed signs of life after birth and then died you will need to register this as a birth and a death within five days.