What are the causes of fetal death in utero?
Common causes of stillbirth generally include trauma, umbilical cord torsion, and chromosomal abnormalities. The details are as follows:
1. Trauma
If a pregnant woman's abdomen suffers external impact leading to premature placental abruption, the fetus may lose its nutrient supply from the placenta and experience abnormal uterine contractions, which could result in stillbirth.
2. Umbilical Cord Torsion
If the umbilical cord is excessively long, it may become twisted or entangled during fetal movement, obstructing local blood flow. This can lead to fetal hypoxia and ischemia, potentially resulting in stillbirth.
3. Chromosomal Abnormalities
If either parent has chromosomal abnormalities, the fetus has a higher likelihood of chromosomal defects compared to normal fetuses. This may lead to fetal malformations, such as neural tube defects or gastroschisis, causing stillbirth.
In addition, gestational diabetes may also be a contributing factor. Pregnant women experiencing such conditions should seek timely medical treatment at a hospital to address symptoms appropriately. Delaying treatment is not advisable, and in severe cases, termination of pregnancy may be necessary.