Understanding IUFD: Fetal Death in Gynecology
Intrauterine strong> or IUFD is a fetal condition that dies in the womb after 20 weeks' gestation. Some cases of IUFD can not be prevented, but you can reduce the risk by being aware of the cause and taking the appropriate precautions.
When a baby is born, but there are no signs of life, such as breathing, heartbeat, or body movement, the baby is said to be stilbirth or stillbirth. In stillbirth , the infant may die while in labor ( intrapartum death ), or the baby has died while still in the uterus or in the mother's womb.
The condition of a fetus that has died since it was in the womb when the gestational age is over the age of 20 - 28 weeks is called IUFD. Each doctor may use different fetal age criteria to determine the classification of IUFD. Another criterion for declaring an IUFD is when the fetus dies has reached more than 350 grams of weight in the womb. IUFD is different from a miscarriage, which fetal death occurs when the pregnancy age has not reached 20 weeks.
Factors Cause Occurrence of IUFD
Most cases of IUFD are not known clearly the cause, but can be a sign of problems in pregnancy. Various possible causes of IUFD include:
- Placental factors
One of the causes of IUFD is a placenta that is not functioning properly. Disorders of the placenta make channeling the essential nutrients the fetus needs during the womb, such as blood and oxygen flow, becomes blocked and reduced. As a result, it can lead to an intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR developmental fetal barrier) and lead to fetal death in the womb (IUFD).
- Genetic defects
Severe haemorrhage occurring in late trimester gestation can also be the cause of a dead fetus in the womb. This can happen when the placenta begins to separate (decay) from the uterus before entering into labor. This condition is called placental abruption ( placental abruption ).
- Mother's health condition
Diabetes and hypertension in pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, malnutrition, bacterial infections such as group B Streptococcus, listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and rubella, may be the cause of the fetus in utero. So do other infections, such as malaria, syphilis, and HIV. Preeclampsia can also reduce blood flow to the fetus through the placenta, and eventually cause IUFD due to placental disturbances.
- Lifestyle and lifestyle factors
Another factor that increases the risk of IUFD is the age of pregnant women over 35 years or less than 15 years, pregnant women are obese, consuming alcoholic beverages, or smoking during pregnancy. Smoking can limit the growth of the fetus in the womb because it reduces the supply of oxygen to the fetus through the placenta.
Some experts also suggest that the fetus is stillborn or the fetus dies in the womb is often caused by a combination of a number of factors above, such as placental impairment, maternal health, and poor lifestyle.
IUFD Handling
Unlike the common miscarriage of a curette procedure for removing a deceased fetus, the fetus in the case of IUFD is released by labor, either induced or natural labor. The birth process can be delayed one to two days while waiting for the birth process naturally. But if the health of the mother at risk, then the fetus needs to be born as soon as possible. Although rare, the fetus dies in the womb sometimes needs to be born by Caesarean section.In twin pregnancies, if one of the fetuses has an IUFD, induction of labor by way of induction is generally not recommended. The doctor will examine other fetal conditions and advocate for actions appropriate to the condition of the mother and fetus. Generally, keeping the two fetuses fixed in the womb until delivery is recommended by many doctors.
To determine the cause of fetal death in the womb it is necessary to have a physical examination, along with maternal blood tests, ultrasound, placental examination, fetal genetic examination, and post mortem check or infant autopsy.
Death of the fetus in the womb can indeed leave a trauma for the mother. It usually takes time for the mother to bounce back from grief after losing her fetus. After the IUFD occurs, physically expectant mothers will experience vaginal bleeding and breastfeeding that may be uncomfortable. To stop breastmilk production, your doctor will give you certain medications.
IUFD Prevention Step
Although not all cases of IUFD can be prevented, but pregnant women can do several things to reduce the risk of IUFD, among others:- No smoking during pregnancy.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages and hazardous drugs during pregnancy. It can affect fetal development, and increase the risk of miscarriage, and stillbirth.
- Avoid supine sleep when gestational age enters 28 weeks or more.
- Routine performing a pregnancy test to a gynecologist or midwife to monitor fetal growth and ensure maternal and fetal health conditions during pregnancy.
If mother and fetus have a risk factor causing IUFD, consult a doctor. If you find any unusual signs, such as the intensity of fetal movement decreases, see an obstetrician immediately to get an examination and treatment.
