Fetal death can occur due to various reasons, including genetic mutations, trauma, infections, and more. Diagnostic tests are performed to determine the cause, and induction of labor is recommended to prevent infections. Counseling is offered to parents to help them cope with the loss.
Fetal death is the death of a developing fetus. There are a number of reasons a developing fetus may die before birth, and diagnostic tests may be performed to determine why fetal death has occurred if the parents are concerned. Once it’s determined that the developing fetus died in utero, the recommended treatment is usually induction of labor so that the fetus and placenta can be expelled from the body. If the fetus is not delivered, an infection can occur and this can interfere with the mother’s future fertility as well as being potentially life threatening.
Developmentally, the fetus is more developed than an embryo, but it is not yet ready to survive outside the body because it is still growing. When fetal death occurs at less than 20 weeks, it can be referred to as a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. If it occurs near full term, it can be termed a stillbirth. Most governments require that fetal deaths beyond 20 weeks be reported, and this data is used to monitor stillbirth rates, which include stillbirths and deaths that occur in the first few days of life.
A common reason for fetal death is a genetic mutation or abnormality that is incompatible with life. Other reasons may include trauma, exposure to toxins, infections, high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, Rh incompatibility, hemorrhage, and spinal cord accidents. The first sign of fetal death is usually decreased fetal movement. If the fetus’s sleep-wake cycles and movement change, it may be a sign of distress, and if the fetus stops moving altogether for an extended period of time, it may mean that fetal death has occurred.
A doctor can quickly listen to your heartbeat with a fetoscope if a problem with your pregnancy is suspected. However, ultrasound is required for a definitive diagnosis. The ultrasound technician can look for a heartbeat and other signs of life. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a doctor will generally recommend inducing labor. Fetal remains testing may be offered to learn more about why fetal death occurred.
The death of a developing fetus can be traumatic for the parents. Counseling is usually offered to help parents psychologically process the death and to offer advice if parents wish to try again for a child. Counseling may include discussions about answering questions at work, from friends, or from other children about what happened, along with assistance planning a memorial service.
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