This is an automatically translated article.
The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Stillbirth (or stillbirth) is a term used to refer to cases where a baby dies in the mother's womb before birth. Diagnosis of stillbirth is mainly based on clinical examination, ultrasound and HCG test.
1. Methods of diagnosing stillbirth
1.1 Clinical examination based on disease symptoms
Doctors can diagnose stillbirth based on the symptoms encountered in pregnant women such as:
With stillbirth in the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women have vaginal bleeding, dark blood, other symptoms. Pregnancy symptoms are reduced, the abdomen is not enlarged. With stillbirth at a late stage, pregnant women have symptoms of a gradually shrinking abdomen, black vaginal bleeding, no pregnancy, and colostrum secretion. Auscultation of fetal heart with hand-held Doppler instrument: no fetal heartbeat at gestational age after 8 weeks. Fetal parts are difficult to palpate. The uterus is small for gestational age, especially if the height of the uterus decreases between measurements.
1.2 Subclinical examination by ultrasound, blood test
Fetal ultrasound: is a highly effective, easy to perform and fast method in diagnosing fetal heart disease to identify stillbirth. If the ultrasound does not show fetal heart activity, the fetal head is distorted, there is a phenomenon of overlapping skull joints or signs of two rings in the skull due to scalp detachment, the image of the amniotic sac is not compatible with the gestational age, the margin of the sac Irregular amniotic fluid, little or no amniotic fluid, indicates stillbirth. This test for stillbirth also helps determine if the fetus is stillborn or has been dead for a long time.
HCG test: when a pregnant woman is suspected of having a stillbirth, the doctor will order a urine test or a blood test to determine the stillbirth to assess the quantity of HCG. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone that regulates pregnancy, is secreted from the trophoblast, plays a role in activating the embryonic germ cells to develop and mature; At the same time, it stimulates the secretion of sex hormones, forming the sex of the fetus. If the second blood or urine HCG test is lower than the first time, and does not increase commensurate with gestational age, it is possible that the fetus is stillborn, miscarried, or has an ectopic pregnancy. Quantification of Fibrinogen in the blood: is used to evaluate the influence of the fetus on blood coagulation before cesarean section. Tests to find the cause of stillbirth: Depending on the case, the doctor will assign couples to perform different tests.
2. What should be done after stillbirth diagnosis?
When there are abnormal signs such as bleeding, reduction or loss of fetal movement, infection or toxicity, exposure to toxic environment, radiation, chemicals, ... pregnant women need to see a doctor immediately to timely handling. If a stillbirth is detected, the doctor will advise the pregnant woman and her family to stabilize psychologically, perform necessary tests such as blood group, blood clotting function, ... before taking the pregnancy out.
The doctor may intervene with drugs or use other procedures to remove the fetus from the mother's uterus. In principle, when the fetus is stillborn, the doctor will try to let the mother give birth naturally, avoiding cesarean section except for special cases that can endanger the mother's life such as too large fetus, mother with heart failure. severe, with surgical scars on the uterus many times. After stillbirth, the mother needs to rest as prescribed by the doctor to stabilize her psychology and health before she intends to become pregnant again.
3. Necessary tests when preparing for pregnancy after stillbirth
Before getting pregnant again, women who have had a miscarriage should see a doctor to determine the cause of the stillbirth. From there, the doctor can offer appropriate treatment measures to minimize the possible incidents in the next pregnancy. Usually, the cause of stillbirth is mainly due to genetic abnormalities, the mother has chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease or an unscientific lifestyle,...
Before trying to get pregnant again, the couple You should see a doctor to determine for sure the cause of the stillbirth. From there, the doctor will give appropriate treatment measures to limit the risk in the next pregnancy. Some necessary tests couples should do before getting pregnant again are:
Testing for chromosomal disorders to detect genetic abnormalities in both couples. Antiphospholipid syndrome test. Abdominal ultrasound to check the reproductive organs for abnormalities or abnormalities. Medical examination and functions of the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys,... Semen analysis to assess sperm quality if the husband is over 40 years old. Hormone testing in the mother. Check the Rh factor in the blood to promptly handle cases of stillbirth due to blood group incompatibility between mother and child.
With the desire to bring the best care for mothers and babies from pregnancy to delivery, Vinmec International General Hospital has organized the implementation of Package Maternity Care Packages. Here, doctors monitor, advise and take good care of mothers and babies from the gestation period, ensuring the safest pregnancy possible. After the birth, mother and baby will rest and relax in a comfortable, international standard hospital room with dedicated and professional care from a team of doctors and nurses at the hospital.
Customers who are interested in Vinmec's maternity care packages, please contact Vinmec Health System nationwide.
