Research is needed to determine the cause of unexplained stillbirth. Sudden antenatal death syndrome is an important national issue that requires more scrutiny. Umbilical cord accidents as a causative factor of stillbirth need intensive investigation. Evidence supports a role of the umbilical cord in a portion of stillbirth cases, and theory suggests additional causes. This article summarizes the known information relating umbilical cord accidents and stillbirth and highlights the research needs.