Stillbirth

Question 1

How many weeks into the pregnancy is a stillbirth?

Answer 1

> 24 weeks

Question 2

What is a pregnancy loss between 22-24 weeks called?

Answer 2

late miscarriage

Question 3

What is a pregnancy loss <22 weeks called?

Answer 3

miscarriage

Question 4

What are risk factors for stillbirths?

Answer 4

placental factors
IUGR
congenital anomalies
placental abruption
infection - maternal or foetal
maternal age - >40 or teenageg
PET/eclampsia
multiple pregnancy
prolonged pregnancy
smoking during pregnancy
antepartum haemorrhage

Question 5

How can stillbirths be prevented?

Answer 5

sleep on your side in the 3rd trimester
quite smoking
maintain BMI <30
avoid alcohol and drugs

Question 6

How is the birth of a still born baby managed?

Answer 6

manage any potential life threatening maternal disease
RhD negative women should get a Kleihaurer test - to detect any foeto-maternal haemorrhage that may have occured
women should be advised to deliver ASAP - preferrably vaginally

Question 7

What should be administered if a women delays labour for >48 hours with a stillborn?

Answer 7

disseminated intravascular coagulation - twice weekly

Question 8

What are the after still birth complications?

Answer 8

x4 more likely to develop depression

x7 more likely to have PTSD

Question 9

What should be offered for future pregnancies?

Answer 9

more frequent screening/surveilence

early induction of labour