Blood test could soon identify women at risk of stillbirth

A simple blood test could soon help identify women most at risk of experiencing stillbirth.

A baby is stillborn every four hours in Australia, most commonly caused by what's called an "ageing placenta" which starves the child of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to survive.

Ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday, the organisation has funded research to looks for markers in the blood which would identify expectant mothers at risk.

Ideally those mothers could then deliver the child early.

It's hoped the test will be made available soon.