Amaury Hernández

Care of the Dying - Death of a Baby

The intrauterine death of an embryo ends in a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion). Ten percent of pregnancies end in this way, commonly between the sixth and tenth weeks, and usually because of an abnormality in the embryo. With care, subsequent pregnancies are usually successful.

Stillbirth is the term used to describe a fetal death occurring after the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy. The mother may become aware that the baby's movements have stopped, and an obstetrician can check for fetal movement.

If the fetus is dead, the mother and father must be told. Labor is induced with drugs if it has not begun within a few days. The mother is usually kept under sedation until the baby is born. It is important that the baby's father is with the mother for the delivery to give comfort. The parents find it easier to cope with the reality of the death if they are able to see the baby immediately after the birth.

The parents need to know the chances of subsequent pregnancies ending in this way. They also need time to mourn the loss of the dead baby before embarking on another pregnancy.

Perinatal death refers to death occurring between the moment of birth and a week after birth. Because the majority of babies are now born in a hospital, the number of perinatal deaths has dropped. However, if death does occur, the parents need the same help and support that parents of a stillborn child need.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is commonly referred to as "crib death." Sometimes a perfectly healthy baby between the ages of three weeks and seven months is found dead in the crib. There is never an adequate explanation. The parents are left shocked and grief-stricken. They feel desperately guilty and in some way responsible. All that is definitely known about crib death is that it is not caused by choking, smothering, strangulation, or any of the other popular myths. Neither does it run in families.

Before the parents can recover from the shock, they need careful counseling. A psychiatrist, family social agency, guidance clinic, or member of the clergy may help.

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