The occurrence of stillbirth, where a baby is born deceased after 20 weeks of pregnancy, is a tragic event influenced by various factors. Here are five common reasons why some pregnant women experience this outcome:
1. Placental Problems:
The placenta is vital for providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the womb prematurely, or placental insufficiency, where the placenta doesn’t function properly, can significantly reduce the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to stillbirth.
2. Birth Defects:
Genetic or structural abnormalities in the baby can result in stillbirth. Chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, and physical malformations can sometimes be incompatible with life. Some defects are detectable through prenatal screening, but others might only be discovered after birth.
3. Infections:
Maternal infections, such as listeria, syphilis, and certain viral infections, can cross the placenta and infect the baby. These infections can cause severe illness or death in utero. Routine prenatal care aims to detect and treat infections early to minimize risks.
4. Chronic Health Conditions:
Pregnant women with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disorders have an elevated risk of stillbirth. These conditions can affect the pregnancy by limiting fetal growth or causing complications like preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems.
5. Lifestyle Factors and Late Pregnancy:
Maternal lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, can adversely affect fetal development. Additionally, pregnancies extending beyond 42 weeks carry increased risks of stillbirth due to declining placental function and reduced amniotic fluid, which can lead to fetal distress…..See More
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