Introduction
It can feel overwhelming to register a stillbirth. This guidance can help you through the process. If you prefer to speak to someone, contact your local register office.
You should usually register a stillbirth within 42 days. You can do this at your local register office.
What is a stillbirth
A stillbirth is when a baby is born after 24 weeks of pregnancy and does not breathe or show any signs of life.
A birth which takes place after 24 weeks of pregnancy, where it is known that the foetus died in utero before the 24th week is not regarded as a stillbirth.
How to register
The doctor or registered midwife will give you a stillbirth certificate. You need this to register the stillbirth. It also confirms your baby’s existence and that you are the parents.
If you are married, either parent can register the stillbirth.
If you are not married:
- if you want the father’s details to be entered in the register, both parents can sign the stillbirth register together.
- if the father is unable to go to the register office, but you still want his details included, he will need to make a statutory declaration acknowledging his paternity. You will need to give this to the registrar.
- if the mother is unable to go to the register office with the father, she may make a statutory declaration acknowledging the father’s paternity. You will need to give this to the registrar.
You can add the father’s details later by re-registering the stillbirth.
If neither parent can attend, one of the following people can register the stillbirth:
- the occupier of the hospital or house where the stillbirth took place
- someone who was present at the stillbirth
- someone who is responsible for the stillborn child
- the person who found the stillborn child, where the date and place of the stillbirth are unknown
What happens next
You will have a private appointment with a registrar to record the baby’s and parents’ details. The appointment usually takes about 30 minutes.
You can register a stillbirth that happened in Somerset at any of our 10 offices. All offices are by appointment only. To book, call 01823 282251.
The doctor or midwife will send the Certificate of Stillbirth to the registration service. This allows you to book your appointment.
If the stillbirth happened outside Somerset, you must register it in the area where it happened. If you cannot travel, you can give the details to another registrar. This is called a declaration and can be done at any Register Office in England or Wales.
The registrar will send the details to the correct office for you. You will not get documents at this stage. Only make provisional funeral plans until you receive the burial or cremation form.
After the registrar checks the certificate, we will contact you to arrange an appointment. At the appointment, you will need to give:
- the date and place of the stillbirth
- the baby’s name, if you have chosen one (you cannot add a name later)
- the parents’ names and surnames, including the mother’s maiden name if needed
- the parents’ jobs, addresses and places of birth, where relevant
You will receive one stillbirth certificate free of charge. Extra copies cost £12.50 each.
You will also receive a certificate for burial or cremation.
Contact the team
You can register a stillbirth at any of our offices in Somerset or North Somerset, depending on where it happened.
You can find contact details and opening times for all our register offices on our Registration Contacts page.