In this thesis we have looked at the diagnostic work-up in fetal death, the role of risk factors and pregnancy outcome after stillbirth. Based on our results, we advise to perform standardized assessment in every case of fetal death. A standardized assessment must consist the clinical context with details on maternal history, obstetric history and the course of the current pregnancy combined with placenta pathology, fetal autopsy and cytogenetic analysis. Cause of fetal death should be established by a multidisciplinary based on all available data. Routine testing of thyroid function has no added value. Women with a stillbirth have a higher risk of recurrence, the underlying pathophysiological pathway and the role of contributing risk factors, with obesity as an example, is in most cases not sufficiently clear. Women with a previous stillbirth have also a higher risk of neonatal death after 34 weeks of gestation in subsequent pregnancy especially in cases with expectant obstetric management.