Classification of stillbirth by relevant condition at death (ReCoDe): population based cohort study.

Objective: To develop and test a new classification system for stillbirths to help improve understanding of the main causes and conditions associated with fetal death.

Design: Population based cohort study.

Setting: West Midlands region.

Perinatal mortality and fetal growth restriction.

Stillbirths are the largest component of perinatal mortality. Most are currently classified as 'unexplained', which is not helpful for counselling and individual care or for setting priorities for maternity services. The new ReCoDe classification reduces the number of stillbirths categorized as 'unexplained' from 66 to 14%.