Miscarriage, stillbirth and loss of a newborn

Stillbirth

You need to register your child if the loss was after 20 weeks of pregnancy or weighing more than 400 grams at birth. Our records will show the baby as stillborn. You do not need to register the death of your baby.

You can register the baby online and you can also purchase a birth certificate and/or choose from one of our decorative certificate designs.

Find out what you need to do to register your baby.

Loss of a newborn

If your baby died soon after being born, you will need to register the birth of your child. A funeral director can register the death of your child for you and, if you need, can apply for a death certificate on your behalf.

Find out what you need to do to register your baby.

Early pregnancy loss

If you have had a pregnancy loss before reaching 20 weeks, you do not need to register your baby.

You can commemorate an early pregnancy loss with a recognition of early pregnancy loss commemorative certificate. You will be provided the certificate free of cost.

Who can apply

You are eligible for an early pregnancy loss commemorative certificate if

• you were an expectant parent, and
• your loss took place in NSW, and
• your loss took place before 20 weeks or, if the number of weeks is unknown, your baby weighed less than 400g. 

To apply for an early pregnancy loss commemorative certificate, download and complete the Recognition of early pregnancy loss application (PDF 83.82KB). 

Email or post your completed application to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (refer to the application form for details). You can also submit your application at your nearest Service NSW centre.

• The early pregnancy loss certificate is free and you can apply anytime. There's no time limit.
• The early pregnancy loss certificate is not a legal document.

The certificate features the baby's name, the parent/s names and, if provided, the location of the loss and date of the loss. If a baby's name is not provided, the certificate will show 'Baby of'.

We understand that you may not wish or not be able to provide exact information about the location or date of the loss. If you are unsure, we recommend including an estimated location and date.