What is stillbirth?

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

Autopsy and chromosomal analysis for stillbirth. These tests can provide important information about the cause of stillbirth, which is useful in cases where couples plan to have another baby.

Stillbirth is a condition in which the fetus dies before birth, after the 20th week of pregnancy. Most women who have a stillbirth will have a healthy baby in the next pregnancy. If the stillbirth is caused by a chromosomal disorder or a problem with the umbilical cord, the chances of it happening again are very low.
If the cause of stillbirth is a chronic illness in the mother or a genetic disorder in the parents, the risk is quite high. On average, the chance of a successful pregnancy in the future is over 90%.

Causes of stillbirth include:
Birth defects, with or without chromosomal abnormalities; Abnormal cord: Prolapse of the umbilical cord, the umbilical cord that came out of the vagina before the baby was born, blocked the supply of oxygen before the baby could breathe on his own. The umbilical cord is at risk of constriction, wrapping tightly around the baby's limbs or neck before delivery; The placenta, the source of nourishment for the fetus, is abnormal. In placental abruption, the placenta separates from the uterine wall too soon; Maternal conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, especially pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia; Intrauterine growth retardation, putting the fetus at risk of death due to malnutrition; Undernutrition;

Exposure to environmental agents such as pesticides or carbon monoxide; There are also other common causes such as children with Rh disease High gestational age (over 35 years old), maternal obesity, multiple pregnancies (twins or multiple births), and maternal toxicity that is not treated promptly. At the same time, pregnant women infected with parasitic diseases such as malaria, bacterial infections (syphilis...), viral infections (hepatitis, mumps, influenza...) also increase the rate of stillbirth. In fact, about 20 - 50% of stillbirth cases have no cause found, despite the application of modern examination techniques.

Ultrasound (USG) or ultrasound examination can help identify stillbirth. Sometimes an ultrasound (USG) doesn't detect a fetal heartbeat. Therefore, if it is necessary to test the mother's blood to find the cause.
Once a stillbirth is detected, a solution for delivery must be considered. Some women need to deliver immediately for medical reasons, while others have to wait until labor begins, which usually occurs two weeks after the death of the fetus.
In the process of waiting, does not affect the mother's health. If spontaneous birth is not possible, blood clots may arise, in which case the procedure should be performed with drugs. The hormone oxytocin is usually given intravenously to stimulate uterine contractions. Cesarean section should be avoided, unless vaginal delivery is not possible or the risk to the mother's life is high.
After the baby is born, the placenta and umbilical cord are removed and a careful examination is carried out to determine the cause.

During pregnancy, the mother and baby need to be regularly monitored with medical procedures such as ultrasound and other gynecological examination. If the mother feels that the fetus is not functioning properly or stops, vaginal bleeding, then she should consult and see a doctor immediately. Rh disease is one of the most potential causes of stillbirth, which can be prevented by giving an Rh negative mother a shot of immune globulin at 28 weeks of pregnancy and if the baby is Rh positive. positive, the mother received an additional injection of Rh immune globulin after delivery. Pregnant women should not follow a strict diet or try to force eating to lose weight, but should maintain a reasonable, optimal body weight. Stay away from tobacco, drugs or alcohol to minimize your own obstetric complications.

For couples who want to have another baby after the incident, they should consult a doctor to have good health before conceiving. Vinmec International General Hospital with modern facilities, leading investment equipment in Vietnam and a team of experienced experts is implementing the Pre-pregnancy health care and counseling program.
Most Vietnamese women today are only concerned with their health and the baby after pregnancy, while preparing for pregnancy is much more important. The counseling and health check for pregnancy preparation for couples who are planning to become pregnant, for parents who have been pregnant or have had children with birth defects or problems related to pregnancy. Chronic diseases, obstetric and gynecological diseases, ... are very important and necessary to minimize the risks that may occur in the next pregnancy.
Besides genetic screening before pregnancy and genetic screening during pregnancy, Vinmec's Pre-Pregnancy Care and Counseling Program also screens for many other factors, such as pre-implantation testing (PGT). ), screening for diseases such as vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. to prepare well for pregnancy, increase the likelihood of having a healthy baby and minimize risks during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.