Antenatal fetal death is a very sad phenomenon, which is nevertheless common in obstetric practice. Fetal death can occur at any time during pregnancy. That is why information about what are the causes of this phenomenon will be useful to many.
What is the antenatal period?
The antenatal period is the period of intrauterine development of the fetus. Its beginning coincides with the moment of fusion of germ cells and the formation of a zygote. This period ends with childbirth. It is also divided into two stages: embryonic (this is the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, when organs are laid) and fertile, when the whole organism develops further.
Antenatal fetal death: causes
In fact, intrauterine death can occur for completely different reasons. Here are just the most common ones:
- infectious diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy, including influenza, pneumonia, etc.;
- certain diseases of the cardiovascular system, including heart defects, anemia, hypertension;
- problems in the functioning of the endocrine system, including diabetes;
- inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- severe toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy;
- pathologies of the placenta, including its abruption and presentation;
- sometimes antenal fetal death occurs due to pathologies of the umbilical cord, for example, during the formation of a true knot;
- Rhesus conflict between mother and child;
- polyhydramnios or, conversely, oligohydramnios;
- injuries during pregnancy, in particular falling on the stomach;
- formation during fetal development of pathologies that are incompatible with the life of the fetus;
- antenatal fetal death can occur as a result of hypoxia, when the developing baby does not receive enough oxygen;
- intrauterine infections carried by the fetus can also be attributed to risk factors;
- sometimes the cause may be intoxication of the mother's body with heavy metals and poisons;
- abuse of certain drugs can also lead to miscarriage;
- alcoholism, smoking and addiction to drugs during childbearing also have a negative impact on he alth.
Unfortunately, doctors are not always able to determine why a child dies. In any case, a woman in this position needs help.
Antenatal fetal death and its signs
Death of a fetus in the womb is accompanied by some symptoms that should benote. The doctor may notice that the uterus has stopped growing in size and has lost its tone. In addition, patients complain of weakness, dizziness, heaviness, and sometimes pain in the abdomen. During a routine examination, the gynecologist may notice that the movement and heartbeat of the fetus is absent.
It is worth noting that intrauterine death is extremely dangerous for a woman, as it is fraught with the development of sepsis. Therefore, action must be taken. In the early stages of pregnancy, doctors perform surgical removal of the embryo. If death occurred in the second half of the antenatal period, then it is necessary to stimulate labor.
