Register a stillbirth
Book an appointment with us to register a stillbirth. Find out about funeral arrangements and where to get advice and support.
Page contents
A baby is considered to be stillborn if they are born after 24 weeks of pregnancy without signs of life.
If your baby was born before 24 weeks and showed no signs of life, the birth cannot be registered at the register office. The hospital might be able to give you a certificate of birth or you could ask them to request one from SANDS, a charity that supports bereaved families.
When and where
A baby that is stillborn will need to be registered within 42 days of the birth.
You should register the stillbirth at the local register office for the area where the baby was born.
Check which council covers the area where the baby was born (GOV.UK).
Baby born in South Gloucestershire
If the baby was born in South Gloucestershire, you can register the stillbirth at one of our register offices in:
You will need to book an appointment.
Baby born outside South Gloucestershire
If the baby was born in England or Wales, but outside South Gloucestershire – for example at Southmead Hospital, Bristol – and you cannot get to the nearest register office to register the stillbirth, you can book an appointment at one of our South Gloucestershire register offices.
We will take all the details and pass them onto the right office. This is called making a declaration.
Who can register
Information on who can register a stillbirth – (GOV.UK)
Book an appointment
To book an appointment, phone 01454 863140 or email registrationservice@southglos.gov.uk.
What to bring to the appointment
You must bring the medical certificate of stillbirth to your appointment. Your GP, doctor or bereavement office will normally give you this, or sometimes they will email it directly to the register office.
You will also need to bring proof of your identity and address, examples include:
- passport, birth certificate or photo driving licence
- council tax bill, latest utility bill or recent bank statement
What information we need to know
When registering the stillbirth, we will ask you for:
The baby’s
- first names and surname (if you want to name the baby)
- date and place of stillbirth
- sex (male or female)
The parent or parents
- full names and surname including any previous surnames
- date and place of birth
- address
- current (or last) job
- date of marriage (if applicable)
You do not have to enter a name for your baby in the register but if you choose not to you will not be able to add it later.
What documents you will get
The Registrar will keep the medical certificate of stillbirth and give you:
- a certificate of registration
- a form for burial or cremation, which can be given to the funeral director or hospital if they are arranging the funeral
There is no fee to register a stillbirth. Copies of the full register entry are available for £12.50.
The certificate of registration confirms the stillbirth has been registered. A copy of the full register entry is a separate document and may be needed for official purposes.
Arranging a funeral
A stillborn baby must be buried or cremated.
You can start planning your baby’s funeral at any time, but the stillbirth must be registered before the funeral takes place.
Your local hospital may be able to arrange a funeral for you. Your midwife can give you more information.
Advice and support
SANDS and Tommy’s are pregnancy and baby loss charities that provide advice and support.
To stop getting direct mail from companies selling baby related items, you can register on the Baby Mailing Preference Service.