Miscarriage, stillbirth and loss of a newborn

Part of the Miscarriage, stillbirth and loss topic

Learn about registering a baby after a miscarriage, stillbirth or a newborn loss.

Early pregnancy loss

The loss of a developing baby before 20 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may call this a miscarriage.

You do not register a birth. To commemorate your loss, you can apply for a free early pregnancy loss certificate.

You can apply at any time, there is no time limit. You can apply if:

• your loss took place in Queensland
• the loss was at less than 20 weeks or your baby weighed less than 400 grams.

Stillbirth

A baby is stillborn if they died after 20 weeks or weighed over 400 grams. Your doctor will determine this.

You need to register their birth.

You also have the option to buy an official birth certificate in their memory or choose from one of the commemorative designs. An official birth certificate will show your baby as stillborn.

Find out what you need to do to register the birth and order a certificate.

Loss of a newborn

If your baby died soon after being born you will need to register the birth.

You also have the option to buy an official birth certificate in their memory or choose from one of the commemorative designs.

Find out what you need to do to register the birth and order a certificate.

The funeral director will usually register the death on your behalf. They can also order a death certificate for you.