Causes of stillbirth

The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

A stillbirth is a fetus that dies, remains in the uterus, does not develop into an adult fetus. This phenomenon needs to be detected and intervened early to avoid dangerous complications. The most common causes of stillbirth come from both the mother and the fetus.

A stillbirth is a fetus that stops growing after the 20th week of pregnancy and remains in the uterus for more than 48 hours. Usually, if the fetus dies at an advanced gestational age, the shorter the stay in the uterus. The process of miscarriage or stillbirth of stillbirth is similar to normal cases, but the time of threatened miscarriage and labor is usually longer, with more bleeding.
The most dangerous complication for stillbirth cases is when the amniotic membrane is torn, bacteria will enter the amniotic cavity and uterus, causing serious infection, which can endanger the mother's life. Besides, if the fetus dies and stays for too long in the womb (over 3 weeks), it can cause blood clotting disorders, causing heavy bleeding in women after miscarriage or childbirth. At the same time, this condition can also affect the psychology of the mother, especially infertile women.

There are many causes of stillbirth and there are also many cases of unexplained stillbirth. Common causes are:
2.1 Problems in the mother The mother has chronic diseases such as liver failure, nephritis, tuberculosis, anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease,... People with endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism, basedow, diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperadrenal gland,... Stillbirth is common in mothers who are poisoned, infected with malaria parasites, hepatitis, syphilis, mumps, influenza. , measles,... Mothers often work hard and have poor nutrition. The mother is exposed to toxic substances in the environment such as pesticides, carbon monoxide, etc. The mother or her family has a history of blood-clotting diseases such as thrombosis, thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism. The mother has had a miscarriage, has abused alcohol or drugs, smoked, is obese, is under 15 years old, or is over 35 years old.

2.2 Problems in the fetus
Chromosomal disorders easily cause stillbirths under 3 months of age. Chromosomal disorders are often inherited from parents or due to genetic mutations in the process of oocyte formation, spermatogenesis, fertilization and embryo development. The fetus can die due to Rh blood group incompatibility between mother and baby. Fetal death due to congenital malformations, hydrocephalus, placental edema, premature pregnancy or multiple pregnancies when the fetuses are transfused with blood, the blood-donor fetus is prone to stillbirth. Therefore, there have been cases in the early stages of pregnancy when ultrasound showed 2 pregnancies but in the later stages only 1 fetus remained.

Any abnormalities in the umbilical cord such as knotted umbilical cord, excessively twisted umbilical cord, absolute short umbilical cord, pinched umbilical cord, neck wrap, body wrap, limb wrap, etc. can cause stillbirth. . Placental fibrosis, placental abruption, choroidal angiomas of the placenta, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios,... can also cause stillbirth. Mothers with uterine malformations such as fetal uterus, underdeveloped uterus, ... also cause the fetus to be poorly nourished, lacking nutrients, leading to stillbirth.

When it is confirmed that the pregnancy is stillbirth, the pregnant woman will be assigned by the doctor to have the fetus delivered by the methods of abortion, abortion, abortion, and labor depending on the gestational age. At the same time, pregnant women should be treated with anti-coagulation and anti-infective treatment.
After having a pregnancy, a woman needs a period of physical and mental recovery. With stillbirth over 15 weeks need to rest for about 30 days. When a woman feels healthy, has a comfortable mind, and has sexual desire, she can return to marital activities but must avoid pregnancy for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant again. During this short time, couples should use contraception with a condom or ejaculate outside the vagina.
To prepare for the next pregnancy, both husband and wife should have a general examination, maintain a scientific diet, supplement with all groups of substances including starch, protein, fat and necessary vitamins. At the same time, the woman should supplement with folic acid, strengthen exercise to have a safer next pregnancy. When pregnant, pregnant women should go to antenatal care early and periodically at reputable medical facilities to get advice, support and correct advice from doctors.
Vinmec currently has many comprehensive health care programs for couples, pregnant mothers and their unborn babies, including basic pre-marital examination packages, advanced pre-marital examination packages, and full maternity programs. package . Vinmec has a team of experienced doctors in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, IVF, stem cells, gene technology, capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today.