Various causes of stillbirths

The event that a baby dies before the gestational age reaches 20 weeks is what we know as a miscarriage. Meanwhile, the condition of babies who die at more than 20 weeks of gestation is called stillbirth or stillbirth. Many people think that a miscarriage is all the death of a baby before he is born into the world, even though this condition can differ depending on the gestational age of the mother when the baby is said to have died.

Stillborn babies can be caused by various things, such as the condition of the mother, fetus, and also the placenta. The mother's nutritional adequacy during pregnancy can also affect the risk of the baby experiencing stillbirth. The following is a complete review of the various causes and risk factors for their occurrencestillbirth.

What are the causes stillbirth?

One in 200 pregnancies can die before the baby is born at more than 20 weeks of gestation. Not much different from the causes of miscarriage, stillbirths can also be caused by the condition of the mother or fetus. Here are some reasons.

1. Birth defects, with or without chromosomal abnormalities

Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for 15-20% of all events stillbirth. Sometimes, babies have structural abnormalities that are not caused by chromosomal abnormalities, but are caused by genetic, environmental, and unknown causes.

2. Problems with the umbilical cord

During childbirth, there may be situations when the baby's umbilical cord comes out before the baby comes out (umbilical cord prolapse). This condition can block the baby's oxygen supply before the baby is able to breathe on his own. The umbilical cord can also get wrapped around the baby's neck before delivery, which can interfere with the baby's breathing. Although not the main cause, these two events involving the umbilical cord can cause stillbirths.

3. Problems with the placenta

Placenta problems account for about 24% of all stillbirths. These problems with the placenta include blood clots, inflammation, problems with the blood vessels in the placenta, placental abruption (in which the placenta separates too early from the uterine wall before it's time), and other conditions related to the placenta. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to develop placental abruption than women who don't smoke.

4. Maternal health condition

Health conditions of pregnant women such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, lupus (autoimmune disorders), obesity, trauma or accidents, thrombophilia (blood clotting disorders), and thyroid disease also affect the health of the unborn baby. High blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy increases the risk of placental abruption or stillbirth two times greater.

5. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

IUGR puts the fetus at a high risk of nutritional deficiencies. Lack of these nutrients then disturbs the growth and development of the fetus. The growth and development of the fetus which is very slow can put the fetus at risk of stillbirth. Babies who are small or do not grow for their age are at risk of dying from asphyxia or lack of oxygen before or during birth.

6. Infections during pregnancy that can affect the mother, baby, or placenta

About 1 in 10 cases of stillbirth are caused by infection. Some of the infections that can cause stillbirths are cytomegalovirus, rubella, urinary tract and genital tract infections (such as genital herpes), listeriosis (due to food poisoning), syphilis, and toxoplasmosis. Some of these infections may be asymptomatic and may also go undiagnosed until the mother has a more serious condition, such as a preterm birth or stillbirth.

What can increase the risk of this condition?

Just like miscarriage, stillbirth is certainly not an event that all pregnant women want. The following are things that can increase the risk of occurrence stillbirth. By knowing this, you can prevent or reduce the risk so that things that are unwanted during pregnancy can be avoided.

1. Have had a previous stillbirth

If you have ever experiencedstillbirth beforehand, then you should pay more attention to health conditions in subsequent pregnancies. Fulfill your nutritional needs and that of the fetus, and do regular prenatal checks to find out the development and condition of your pregnancy. A history of preterm birth or preeclampsia can also increase the risk of stillbirth.

2. Pregnancy with twins or more

Multiple pregnancies may be fun, but don't forget to pay more attention to your twin pregnancies. Complications that can occur in multiple pregnancies are higher than single pregnancies, including the incidence of stillbirths.

3. Age at pregnancy

The age at which pregnancy is too young (under 15 years) and the age at which the pregnancy is older (over 35 years) puts you at a higher risk of incidence. stillbirth. Hence, it is important to plan your pregnancy.

4. Weight loss

It is important for you to gain weight both before and during pregnancy. Both very underweight and excess weight (obesity) can increase the risk of unwanted events, such as stillbirth. It is better if you pay attention to how much weight you gain during pregnancy, adjust it to your weight before becoming pregnant.

5. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drugs

These three things can increase your risk of developing the condition stillbirth. Stay away from these three things during pregnancy. If you need to consume drugs during pregnancy, you should first consult with your doctor.