Stillbirth is the intrauterine death of a fetus any time between the end of the 20th and 40th week of pregnancy. This can be a very traumatic experience for a pregnant woman. Although many known causes or factors contribute to stillbirth, the reason for a stillbirth is not always known. Being aware of the signs of stillbirth will allow women to seek the treatment they need so the healing process can begin.
Cramping
Although cramping and contractions can be a sign of preterm labor, they can also be one of the preliminary symptoms of a stillbirth. Cramping and/or contractions that come regularly and get more intense should be investigated by a doctor to determine the status of the fetus.
Lack of Movement
Although all fetuses have very active times and very quite times in the uterus, it is not common for a fetus not to move at all for prolonged periods of time. This is especially true after the 20th week of pregnancy, when the mother is more likely to feel the movements. When the mother has not felt any movement for more than 24 hours even after drinking orange juice or another beverage high in sugar, it may be a sign of stillbirth.
Lack of Womb Growth
Over the course of a healthy pregnancy, a woman's womb gets larger with each passing week. If the womb is not getting any bigger, it is a sign that the fetus within is not growing. A non-growing fetus is not necessarily going to be a stillbirth, but when combined with a lack of movement, the womb not growing in size should definitely be considered by a health care professional.
Indetectable Heartbeat
During a routine exam, a health care provider will use a Doppler device to listen for the heartbeat of the fetus. It can often be difficult to find the heartbeat, but when the doctor is unable to find a heartbeat at all, that is cause for concern. A doctor will usually order an ultrasound to see what the baby is doing. During an ultrasound, the doctor will look for signs of life, such as movement and heartbeat. If these are not present, the fetus will be declared stillbirth.
References
- March of Dimes: Stillbirth Fact Sheet
- Childbirth International Training Manual; 2010
