Intrauterine fetal demise

Question 1

What are some causes of- and risk factors for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)?

Answer 1

Medical conditions:
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Adolescence
Smoking

Pregnancy conditions and pregnancy history:

You’re pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more).
You have intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (also called ICP).
You had complications in a previous pregnancy, like preterm birth, preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction. Preterm birth is a birth that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
You’ve never given birth before.
You had a miscarriage or stillbirth in a previous pregnancy.
You’re pregnant after the age of 35.
You have little social support.

Question 2

How does IUFD present (subjective and objective findings)?

Question 3

How is IUFD diagnosed?

Answer 3

U/S

Question 4

What are the basic elements of the management plan for IUFD?

Answer 4

Dilation and evacuation
Inducing labor
C-section

Question 5

After discovery and diagnosis, how might a WHNP participate in the care of a family with an IUFD?

Question 6

It is estimated that as many as half of early pregnancy losses are caused by

Answer 6

Chromosomal abnormalities