Fetal death – especially within the period near birth - is a tragic loss. Assessment of risk factors and aproppriate pregnancy follow-up program might prevent most of the losses. 

 

RISK FACTORS
 

Maternal Risk Factors

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Advanced maternal age

• Thrombophilia (diseases with increased tendency to clot)

• Systemic diseases of the mother (especially Systemic Lupus, Renal Insufficiency)

• Smoking

​

Fetal  Risk Factors

• Anomaly of the fetus (chromosomal and / or structural)

•  Umbilical Cord Accidents

           o Cord prolapse

           o Cord Knotting

           o Blood clot within the cord  

• Early separation of the placenta from the uterine Wall (Abruptio Placenta)

• Reduced blood flow to the placenta

• Growth retardation of the fetus

• Some Infections

​

In spite of very sophisticated tests and analyses, no cause of the fetal death  can be found in 30 % of the cases. 

Management

• Information about previous pregnancies should be evaluated

• Overweight women should loose weight before pregnancy

• Quit smoking

• Screening and appropriate treatment should be initiated for risk factors, such as diabetes  and high blood pressure

• Ultrasonography should be performed by an experienced specialist to understand the structural and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and to follow up the growth.

• Fetal movements should be followed well

• Any symptom of the mother such as; decreased fetal movement, increased tension feeling on the abdominal wall, bleeding  should be taken into consideration by the health workers  and tests for fetal well being should be performed 

 

Despite these recommendations and close follow-up, unfortunately it may not be possible to prevent  all unexplained losses.