women s health issues
Stillbirth
Diagnosis of Stillbirth
A doctor's evaluation Tests to identify the cause Doctors may suspect that the fetus is dead if the fetus stops moving, although movements often decrease as the growing fetus has less room to move. Fetal monitoring are usually done. These tests include the following: A nonstress test: The fetus's heart rate is monitored when the fetus is lying still and as it moves. For this test, doctors use a device attached to the woman’s abdomen. Biophysical profile: Ultrasonography is used to produce images of the fetus in real time, and the fetus is observed. This test enables doctors to evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid and check the fetus for periods of rhythmic breathing, movement, and muscle tone. To try to identify the cause of stillbirth, doctors do genetic and blood tests (such as tests for infections, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome). Doctors also recommend evaluating the fetus to look for possible causes, such as infections and chromosome abnormalities. The placenta and uterus are examined. Often, the cause cannot be determined. 