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Stillbirth(Fetal Death; Intrauterine Fetal Death; IUFD)
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionStillbirth is the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It often happens before labor begins. CausesStillbirth may be caused by:
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Risk FactorsStillbirth is more common for women aged 35 years and older. Other things that raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms are:
DiagnosisAn ultrasound exam may be done. The doctor will examine the baby and look for a heartbeat. The ultrasound may show the cause of the stillbirth. After birth, other tests may be done to understand the cause.
TreatmentThe fetus will need to be delivered. A vaginal birth is the safest option for most. Some may need a cesarean section. The doctor will talk about options. Labor may be started with medicine. It may be given through the vagina, as pills, or by IV. Treatment may not be needed if there are other living fetuses. TherapyHaving a stillborn baby is traumatic. Parents will need time to grieve. A therapist or support group can help. PreventionNot all stillbirths can be prevented. The risk may be lowered by:
RESOURCES:The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org American Pregnancy Association http://www.americanpregnancy.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca Women’s Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:Hammad IA, Blue NR, et al. Umbilical cord abnormalities and stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(3):644-652. Pregnancy loss. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed February 19, 2021.
Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth. Accessed February 19, 2021.
Hammad IA, Blue NR, et al. Umbilical cord abnormalities and stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(3):644-652. Pregnancy loss. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-complications/pregnancy-loss. Accessed February 19, 2021. Stillbirth. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/stillbirth. Accessed February 19, 2021. Last reviewed January 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary Beth Seymour, RN Last Updated: 2/19/2021 | |