A stillbirth occurs when a fetus, of mid-second trimester to full term gestational age, which has died in the womb or during labour or delivery, exits the maternal body.

Human stillbirth

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Causes

A large percentage of human stillbirths are of unknown causes (S.A.D.S. Sudden Antenatal Death Syndrome), even in cases where extensive testing and autopsy have been performed. Some of the causes that have been found are:

• bacterial infection
• birth defects
• chromosomal aberrations
• growth retardation
• maternal diabetes or high blood pressure
• maternal consumption of nicotine, alcohol, recreational drugs (excluding cannabisFried, P.A. (2002). The consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy: a review of the human literature.), or pharmaceutical drugs contraindicated in pregnancy
• postdate pregnancy
• placental abruption
• physical trauma
• Rh disease
• umbilical cord accidents

Prenatal diagnosis

A decrease or cease of fetal activity may be an indication of fetal distress or death, though it is not entirely uncommon for a healthy fetus to exhibit such changes, particularly near the end of a pregnancy when there is considerably little space in the womb for the fetus to move about. Still, medical examination, including a nonstress test, is recommended in the event of any change in the strength or frequency of fetal movement, especially a complete cease; most midwives and obstetricians recommend the use of a kick chart to assist in detecting any changes. Fetal distress or death can be confirmed or negated via fetoscopy/doptone, ultrasound, and/or electronic fetal monitoring. If the fetus is alive but inactive, extra attention will be given to the placenta and umbilical cord during ultrasound examination to ensure that there is no compromise of oxygen and nutrient delivery.

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NYT > Home & Garden

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L.A. Times - Home & Garden

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Christian Science Monitor | The Home Forum

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Denver Post: Lifestyle

Downtown drivers: Map a new route
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Advice from golf's gurus
ghenry@denverpost.com (By Greg Henry / Special to The Denver Post) Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:21:03 -0600
If your golf game is in a midsummer slump, it's time to try a fresh approach.

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