ABSTRACT
The death is indicated by the fact that after such expulsion or extraction, the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movements of voluntary muscles. The diagnosis of fetal death should be confirmed by ultrasound, with absence of fetal cardiac activity. There are many maternal and fetal factors that have been associated with fetal death. Many classification schemes for assigning cause of stillbirth are currently used throughout the world. Evaluation of the etiology of fetal death is essential to counsel regarding recurrence risks, facilitate the grieving process, and improve understanding to facilitate therapeutic measures. Fetal death causes grief also in the majority of obstetricians, who can experience self-doubt, depression, and self-blame, in relation to their patient's loss.
