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 fetal development . Its beginning coincides with the moment of merging 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 the laying of organs occurs) and fertile, when the further development of the whole organism occurs.
Antenatal fetal death: causes
In fact, intrauterine death can occur for completely different reasons. Here are just the most common ones:
- infectious diseases carried by the mother during pregnancy, including influenza, pneumonia, etc .;
- some diseases of the cardiovascular system, including heart defects, anemia, hypertension;
- problems in the endocrine system, including diabetes;
- inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- severe toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy;
- pathology of the placenta, including its detachment and presentation;
- sometimes antenatal death of the fetus occurs due to pathologies of the umbilical cord, for example, with the formation of a true node;
- Rhesus conflict between the mother and the child’s body;
- polyhydramnios or, conversely, low water;
- injuries during pregnancy, in particular a fall on the abdomen;
- education 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 transmitted 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 termination of pregnancy;
- alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction while bearing a child also negatively affect health.
Unfortunately, doctors are far from always able to determine why a child dies. In any case, a woman in this situation needs help.
Antenatal fetal death and its symptoms
Fetal death in the womb is accompanied by some symptoms that are worth paying attention to. The doctor may notice that the uterus has stopped increasing in size and has lost tone. In addition, patients complain of weakness, dizziness, heaviness, and sometimes abdominal pain. During a routine examination, the gynecologist may notice that there is no movement or heartbeat of the fetus .
It is worth noting that intrauterine death is extremely dangerous for a woman, as it is fraught with the development of sepsis. Therefore, action is needed. In the early stages of pregnancy, doctors perform surgical removal of the embryo. If death has occurred in the second half of the antenatal period, it is necessary to stimulate the birth.