31 Jul 2025 • A nationwide study of over 31 million singleton births, including 131,000 stillbirths, found that prepregnancy cardiovascular risk factors markedly increase stillbirth risk, with significant racial disparities.

Diabetes had the strongest impact (aRR 4.05), followed by hypertension (aRR 2.44), smoking (aRR 1.62), and unhealthy BMI (aRR 1.33).

Risk was further amplified when diabetes was combined with other factors. The findings underscore the urgent need for race-conscious, preconception cardiovascular care to reduce stillbirth rates and address persistent inequities.

Source: AHA|ASA Journals | Read Full Story