Find out who needs to register a stillbirth, when they need to be registered, how to make an appointment to register, and what we'll ask you at the appointment.
A baby is considered to be stillborn if they’re born after the 24th week of pregnancy, showing no signs of life after birth. If your baby was born before the 24th week of pregnancy, they can't be registered but your hospital may provide a certificate of birth.
A stillbirth should usually be registered at a register office within 42 days. The midwife or support team at the hospital where the stillbirth occurred will explain to you what you need to do to register and who you need to contact. They may also contact us to make your appointment with the register office if you would prefer not to contact us yourself.
The person to register a stillbirth can be:
The midwife or support team at the hospital can make your appointment with the register office, but you will have to attend the appointment.
The stillbirth must be registered at the local register office in the registration district where the baby was born. For Brighton & Hove, this is Brighton Town Hall.
Your midwife may book an appointment for you or you can phone us.
Contact the Register Office Team for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, commitment renewal of vows and naming ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies and the registration of births and deaths.
We will meet you at the register office and take you to a private meeting room for your appointment.
Our address is The Register Office, Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomews, Brighton, BN1 1JA
If your baby was born outside Brighton & Hove, they will need to be registered at the local register office where the baby was born.
Find a register office in England or Wales
If you cannot register the birth in the area where the baby was born, you can go to another register office and they will send your details to the correct office.
At the registration appointment, we will ask you:
You don’t have to enter a name for your baby in the register. However, if you choose not to add a name at your appointment, you won’t be able to add a name later.
We will give you:
You are welcome to contact us at register office for any further advice.
Your local hospital can help you with funeral arrangements. When you are ready to start planning your baby’s funeral, your midwife can offer you advice.
Other support resources include: