Question 1

What is Fetal Death?

Accepted Answer

Fetal death, also known as stillbirth, is the loss of a baby before or during delivery after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is caused by complications including placental problems, infections, chromosomal abnormalities, maternal health conditions, or umbilical cord accidents that compromise oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. The Estriol LC/MS/MS Serum test is the most important blood test for detecting pregnancy complications because significantly low estriol hormone levels can indicate fetal distress or impending loss.

Question 2

What causes fetal death?

Accepted Answer

Fetal death is caused by multiple factors including placental abruption or insufficiency, maternal infections like cytomegalovirus or listeria, chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 13 or 18, maternal health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or preeclampsia, and umbilical cord accidents that cut off oxygen supply. Placental problems are the most common cause, preventing the baby from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown even after thorough investigation, making regular prenatal monitoring essential for identifying risk factors early.

Question 3

What is the best test for fetal death?

Accepted Answer

The Estriol LC/MS/MS Serum test is the most important blood test for detecting pregnancy complications that may lead to fetal death because it measures estriol hormone levels produced by both the placenta and the developing baby. Significantly low estriol levels can indicate serious fetal distress, placental dysfunction, or impending loss before other symptoms appear. This advanced laboratory test provides critical information for healthcare providers to assess pregnancy health and determine if additional monitoring or intervention is needed. While ultrasound imaging is the primary diagnostic tool for confirming fetal death, estriol testing serves as a valuable early warning system for complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for fetal death complications?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks, experience vaginal bleeding or unusual cramping during the second or third trimester, have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, develop sudden severe abdominal pain, or feel that something is wrong with your pregnancy. Any decrease in your baby's normal movement pattern requires immediate medical evaluation. Women with previous pregnancy losses, multiple gestations, or advanced maternal age should consider more frequent monitoring including hormone testing to catch potential complications early.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of fetal death?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of fetal death include a complete absence of fetal movement after previously feeling regular kicks, vaginal bleeding or spotting, severe cramping or abdominal pain, sudden disappearance of pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness or nausea, and a feeling that something is wrong. Some women notice their abdomen stops growing or begins to feel smaller. However, many cases occur without obvious warning signs, which is why regular prenatal care and monitoring are crucial. If you notice any decrease in fetal movement or have concerns about your pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation.

Question 6

Who is at risk for fetal death?

Accepted Answer

Women at higher risk for fetal death include those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders, women carrying multiple babies, those with previous pregnancy losses or stillbirths, pregnant women over age 35 or under 17, and those with placental problems or fetal growth restriction. Smoking, alcohol use, drug use, obesity, and inadequate prenatal care significantly increase risk. Women with infections during pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, or complications like preeclampsia also face elevated risk. African American women have higher stillbirth rates due to complex health disparities and require extra vigilant monitoring.

Question 7

What happens if fetal death is left undetected?

Accepted Answer

If fetal death goes undetected for an extended period, the mother faces serious health risks including infection, blood clotting disorders like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), severe emotional trauma, and potential complications during delivery. The longer a deceased fetus remains in the uterus, the higher the risk of developing dangerous clotting problems that can cause life-threatening bleeding. Infection can develop as tissue breaks down, leading to sepsis. Most healthcare providers recommend delivery within two weeks of diagnosis to minimize these risks, though the timing depends on individual circumstances and how far along the pregnancy is.

Question 8

Can fetal death be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Fetal death cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, but hormone testing like the Estriol LC/MS/MS Serum test can detect warning signs of severe pregnancy complications. Estriol levels drop significantly when fetal health is compromised, alerting doctors to potential problems before death occurs. The definitive diagnosis requires ultrasound imaging to confirm absence of fetal heartbeat and movement. Blood tests serve as screening tools to identify high-risk pregnancies that need closer monitoring and more frequent ultrasound examinations to ensure the baby's wellbeing throughout pregnancy.

Question 9

How is fetal death managed?

Accepted Answer

Management of fetal death involves several steps including confirming the diagnosis through ultrasound, providing emotional support and counseling to parents, and determining the safest delivery method based on gestational age and maternal health. Most women deliver vaginally within one to two weeks of diagnosis using medication to induce labor, though cesarean section may be necessary in certain situations. After delivery, healthcare providers perform tests on the placenta, umbilical cord, and baby to determine the cause, which helps with future pregnancy planning. Parents receive grief counseling and follow-up care to address physical and emotional recovery.

Question 10

How can I prevent fetal death?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of fetal death involves attending all prenatal appointments for regular monitoring, managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure before and during pregnancy, avoiding smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring fetal movement patterns daily after 28 weeks. Getting recommended vaccinations, practicing safe food handling to avoid infections like listeria, sleeping on your side rather than your back in late pregnancy, and seeking immediate care for warning signs can reduce risk. While not all stillbirths are preventable, consistent prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices significantly improve outcomes.

Question 11

What can I do at home to monitor pregnancy health?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can monitor your baby's movements daily starting around 28 weeks by doing kick counts, noting when your baby is most active and tracking movement patterns. Rest on your left side to improve blood flow to the placenta, stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and nutrients, and avoid activities that could harm the pregnancy. Keep a journal of fetal movement and any unusual symptoms to share with your healthcare provider. If you notice decreased movement, try drinking cold water and lying on your left side to stimulate the baby, but contact your doctor immediately if movement does not return to normal within an hour.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Fetal Death Blood Test

What is Fetal Death?

What causes fetal death?

What is the best test for fetal death?

When should I get tested for fetal death complications?

References

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