Stillbirth and the Silent Signals: What Roisin’s Story Teaches Us About the Placenta and Umbilical Cord

When Roisin lost her baby boy Arlo at 31 weeks, the news came without warning.

Her pregnancy had been labelled “low‑risk.”

Her bump was small, but she was healthy. Every scan showed a perfect baby boy.

It wasn’t until a post‑mortem was carried out that doctors discovered what had gone wrong: blood clots in the placenta and an abnormally long, hypercoiled umbilical cord.

For many parents, hearing these medical terms after a stillbirth can feel confusing, distant or meaningless. But understanding them can also help others recognise symptoms earlier and feel empowered to ask the right questions.

Understanding the Placenta’s Role

The placenta is an extraordinary organ.

It develops during pregnancy to deliver oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the baby through the umbilical cord.

When the placenta works well, it quietly sustains life.

But when something interferes, like clots, poor blood flow or infection, it can affect the baby’s growth and oxygen supply.

In Roisin’s case, blood clots within the placenta reduced blood flow to her baby. This meant less oxygen and fewer nutrients were reaching him, even though outwardly, everything looked normal.

According to Tommy’s, a UK pregnancy charity specialising in stillbirth research, placental complications are one of the most common causes of stillbirth, accounting for around two in five stillbirths.

Placental problems are often linked to:

• Blood clots or poor circulation

• High blood pressure or pre‑eclampsia

• Diabetes or autoimmune conditions

• Infections

• Smoking or certain medications

• Placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus too early)

 

Sometimes, though, as in Roisin’s case, it happens without any known cause.

What Is a Hyper-coiled Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord is usually about 50–60cm long and naturally twisted. This coiling helps protect the blood vessels inside. However, when the cord is overly long or tightly coiled, it can create tension and restrict blood flow.

A hypercoiled umbilical cord means that it’s twisted more times than normal, putting pressure on the vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

If the cord is also unusually long, as it was in Arlo’s case, it must “work harder” to transport blood between the placenta and baby.

This combination of long, hyper-coiled and affected by placental clots can interrupt the baby’s lifeline.

While these findings are rare, they’re not unheard of.

Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows that hypercoiling occurs in about 5–10% of pregnancies, and in severe cases, it may be associated with growth restriction or stillbirth.

Reduced Movements: The Most Important Signal

Looking back, Roisin recalled moments of uncertainty about her baby’s movements.

He was quieter than other babies, but she was reassured it was normal.

At 24 weeks, she went to hospital for reduced movements and was told everything was fine.

What she now knows and what charities emphasise is that any change in your baby’s movements should always be checked.

Don’t wait. Don’t second‑guess yourself. Don’t drink juice or try to “wake” the baby before calling.

Movement is a vital sign. It’s the baby’s way of communicating.

If something feels different such as less frequent, weaker or inconsistent movement, it can mean your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients.

Always go straight to the maternity assessment unit or hospital.

If you’ve been once and you’re still worried, go again. There’s no such thing as overreacting when it comes to your baby’s safety.

Why “Low‑Risk” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Pregnancies labelled “low‑risk” often receive fewer scans and less monitoring. But “low‑risk” doesn’t mean “no risk.”

Roisin had no medical issues, a healthy lifestyle and a normal pregnancy on paper. Yet the unseen complications within the placenta and umbilical cord couldn’t have been detected without closer observation.

That’s why awareness campaigns like Kicks Count and Tommy’s “Movements Matter” are so important. They help parents understand what normal movement feels like for their baby and when to seek help.

Questions to Ask Your Care Team

If you’re currently pregnant or preparing to try again, here are some questions that can help you feel more informed and supported:

• Can I have a growth scan in the third trimester to check the placenta and cord?

• How can I track my baby’s movements effectively?

• What should I do if I notice changes in movement?

• Are there signs of placental insufficiency or growth restriction?

• Will my baby’s cord or placenta be checked at birth?

• If I have risk factors (e.g., clotting issues, autoimmune disease), should I take low‑dose aspirin or other preventive measures?

 

As Roisin’s story reminds us, being proactive can save lives and mothers should never feel they’re “bothering” staff by raising concerns.

Healing After Loss

After her loss, Roisin received limited support from the hospital. Like many bereaved parents, she was sent home with leaflets and left to process the unimaginable.

Healing after stillbirth isn’t about “moving on.” It’s about learning to live with the loss, carrying both love and pain together.

If You’ve Experienced Stillbirth or Pregnancy Loss

You are not alone.

Support is available, and there are compassionate communities ready to listen:

• Tommy’s – UK charity funding research into miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

• Kicks Count – Raises awareness about foetal movements to reduce stillbirth rates.

• Sands – Provides support for anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth.

• Remember My Baby – Volunteer photographers offering free remembrance photography to families experiencing loss.

• The Miscarriage Association – Information and support for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy.

 

If you’ve been told your baby has passed away, or if you’re worried about movements, please reach out to your midwife or maternity assessment unit immediately.

Your voice matters. Your instincts matter.

With love & compassion

Rosie

If you have experienced infant loss such as stillbirth and would like to talk to me as a peer support friend, please see here for more information.

 

Roisin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roisinnicholson.therapy/
Roisin's website: https://www.babylosstherapist.com/