The mother has approximately 10 minutes to get to a doctor before there is any harm done to the fetus. Monoamniotic twins – These twins share the same placenta and the same amniotic sac and therefore can interfere with each others umbilical cords. When entanglement of the cords is detected, it is highly recommended to deliver the fetuses as early as 31 weeks. Umbilical cord length - A short umbilical cord (<30 cm) can affect the fetus in that fetal movements can cause cord compression, constriction, and rupture. A long umbilical cord (>72 cm) can affect the fetus depending on the way the fetus interacts with the cord. Some fetuses grasp the umbilical cord but it is yet unknown as to whether a fetus is strong enough to compress and stop blood flow through the cord. Also, an active fetus, one that frequently repositions itself in the uterus can accidentally entangle itself with the cord. A hyperactive fetus should be evaluated with ultrasound to rule out cord entanglement. Cord entanglement - The umbilical cord can wrap around an extremity, the body or the neck of the fetus. When the cord is wrapped around the neck of the fetus, it is called a nuchal cord. These entanglements can cause constriction of blood flow to the fetus. These entanglements can be visualized with ultrasound. Torsion – This term refers to the twisting of the umbilical around itself.
Torsion of the umbilical cord is very common (especially in equine stillbirths) but it is not a natural state of the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord can be untwisted at delivery. The average cord has three twists. Smoke Inhalation - If a pregnant woman gets trapped in a building fire, the smoke and fumes can kill an unborn child.A pregnant woman sleeping on her back after 28 weeks of pregnancy may be a risk factor for stillbirth.After a stillbirth there is a 2.5% risk of another stillbirth in the next pregnancy (an increase from 0.4%).In the United States, highest rates of stillbirths happen in pregnant women who:
are of low socioeconomic status
are aged 35 years or older
have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. are African-American
have previously lost a child during pregnancy
have multiple children at a time (twins, triplets, etc.) Diagnosis
It is unknown how much time is needed for a fetus to die. Fetal behavior is consistent and a change in the fetus movements or sleep-wake cycles can indicate fetal distress. A decrease or cessation in sensations 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 less space in the uterus than earlier in pregnancy for the fetus to move about.