What are the symptoms of fetal demise?

Missed abortion (also known as “missed miscarriage” or “silent miscarriage”) presents with a variety of symptoms. These may include abnormal amniotic fluid volume, decreased fetal movement, unexplained abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding. The most prominent sign is the gradual cessation of fetal movement. Additionally, the pregnant woman may experience uterine contractions and weight loss. Therefore, if fetal movement ceases during pregnancy, an ultrasound examination is strongly recommended. Unexplained abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding may indicate expulsion of the gestational sac due to missed abortion.

What Are the Symptoms of Missed Abortion?

1. Abnormal Amniotic Fluid Volume
Amniotic fluid is essential for fetal survival. Both polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) and oligohydramnios (insufficient amniotic fluid) may signal fetal abnormalities. Any deviation from normal amniotic fluid volume warrants heightened vigilance.
2. Decreased Fetal Movement
Fetal movement typically increases as pregnancy progresses. A noticeable reduction in fetal movement should raise concern. Generally, after 30 weeks of gestation, the fetus should move at least three times per hour and 30–40 times within 12 hours. Fetal movement frequency can be influenced by gestational age, amniotic fluid volume, and maternal posture. Fewer than three movements per hour—or fewer than ten movements in 12 hours—may indicate intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

3. Unexplained Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain in early pregnancy may signal ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage—both requiring prompt medical attention. In ectopic pregnancy, severe, tearing abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding often results from intra-abdominal hemorrhage. In threatened miscarriage, women commonly report a sensation of pelvic pressure or heaviness, mild-to-moderate abdominal discomfort, and vaginal bleeding.

4. Vaginal Bleeding
Some women experience vaginal bleeding as the body naturally expels the nonviable pregnancy, often presenting as dark red blood. Experts note that in most cases of missed abortion, the fetal tissue is spontaneously expelled. However, if expulsion has not occurred within four weeks following fetal demise, women may develop systemic symptoms—including profound fatigue, loss of appetite, pelvic pressure or heaviness, and heavy vaginal bleeding—and require urgent evaluation.
5. Disappearance of Pregnancy Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, and other early pregnancy symptoms subside; breast tenderness diminishes; clinical examination reveals no further uterine growth; and maternal weight may decrease.

The above outlines the key symptoms associated with missed abortion. We hope this information is helpful to you.