What is the Stillbirth definition
What is a stillbirth and what causes it? When a baby dies in the womb after week 20 of the mother’s pregnancy, it is called a stillbirth. For 1/3 of cases, the causes are inexplicable, while the other 2/3 cases may happen due to high blood pressure, problems with the umbilical cord, infections, poor lifestyle or birth defects. Approximately, one out of 160 pregnancies is a stillbirth in the U.S every year.
The death of a baby weeks or hours before labor is also a stillbirth. The baby may also die during labor, but it is rare. A stillbirth can be classified as an early stillbirth, a late stillbirth or a term stillbirth.
Early stillbirth: death happens between 20 and 27 weeks
Late stillbirth: death happens between 28 and 36 weeks
Term stillbirth: death happens in the 37th week or after
What causes stillbirth?
In 1/3 of the cases, the causes are said to be unknown. While, the rest of the cases may take place due to the following common reasons.
- Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes the body to attack its own cells. The disease can have a mild or severe effect on a person.
- Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. Problems with the umbilical cord or placenta may also cause stillbirth. The placenta—an organ through which the umbilical cord is attached—develops during pregnancy and provides blood, nutrients and oxygen to the fetus through the umbilical cord. The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus.
- Diseases. Diseases like heart disease, thyroid, diabetes etc. could also contribute to it.
- Blood clotting disorder. A woman who has this disorder (like hemophilia) is at higher risk of stillbirth.
- Birth defects. It is said that birth defects cause about 25% of stillbirths. Birth defects are not easy to be found without a thorough examination of the baby.
- Trauma. Trauma or an accident could be responsible for a stillbirth.
- Preeclampsia. It is a high blood pressure condition in pregnancy, sometimes with proteinuria and fluid retention. However, most women with preeclampsia have healthy babies, but in some cases, premature birth or even death could happen.
- Other reasons. Other reasons include infection and bad lifestyle choices.
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Symptoms and warning signs of a stillbirth
One of the main signs is no heartbeat sound with a stethoscope or ultrasound scan. Other potential symptoms are:
- Bleeding
- Spotting
- Reduced fetal movement
These symptoms may also occur due to some other issues. So, you’d better talk to a doctor.
What is a stillbirth vs. miscarriage?
If the baby dies before 20 completed weeks, it is called a miscarriage. A miscarriage often manifests in bleeding. A stillbirth is considered when the baby dies after 20 completed weeks of pregnancy. If a baby is still, there are three options:
- Natural birth
- Induced labor
- Cesarean section
Women can have a higher risk of stillbirth if they:
- are more than 35 years of age
- use recreational drugs, consume alcohol or smoke
- are malnourished
- fail to have a good prenatal care
- have twins
- are obese
- have an illness
Tips to avoid stillbirth in Ayurveda
Some of the Ayurvedic tips that can promote the health of a baby and the mother during pregnancy are:
- Balance Vata Dosha
Ayurveda says that it is important to balance your vata dosha during pregnancy. Vata is the dosha of movement. And in several ways, pregnancy relates to this quality. To keep your vata dosha in balance, you should take a diet of fresh whole or sprouted grains and avoid processed foods. You should consume freshly cooked, warm foods with healthy oils like coconut oil, olive oil and ghee.
- Abhyanga
You can give your full body a massage with warm sesame oil, repeating it two-three times a week. Massage helps open the channel of circulation. Take it from a professional person or consult an Ayurvedic doctor to find out its benefits and precautions.
- Follow sattvic
Ayurveda says you should follow a sattvic diet. It helps you develop positive emotions and reduce negative emotions like grief, sorrow, fear and anger. A sattvic diet also helps you keep your blood pressure in control, which is a good thing for both, the mother and the baby
- Eat for two
During pregnancy, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet. Do not deprive yourself of food and nutrients. Eat what you crave, but not unhealthy foods. Give yourself a diet that is rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals and other essential nutrients.
- Garbha sanskar
In the Sanskrit language, the womb is called, ‘Garbha’, and impression is called, ‘Sanskar’. It means the impressions that we are putting on the baby while it is in the womb. Ayurveda believes that a child’s mental and physical development starts in the womb, and what the mother is experiencing through her senses can also affect the child in the womb.
Conclusion
Ayurveda can help make your pregnancy easier by helping you avoid pregnancy complications. So, you can also consult an Ayurvedic doctor in order to get the needed guidance and advice for your pregnancy.
Aasha Ayurveda Center
Contact number: +91- 9811773770, Website: www.aashaayurveda.com