Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD) & Stillbirth
IUFD, or stillbirth after 20 weeks of gestation, is a devastating experience for families. Unlike a miscarriage, it is legally recognized as fetal death.
We’re here to provide guidance, support, and clarity, helping families understand medical circumstances and explore options when preventable factors may have contributed to the loss.
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Stillbirth and IUFD: Understanding What Happened
IUFD can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with early stillbirth (20–27 weeks) slightly more common than late stillbirth (28 weeks or later). After 24 weeks, the fetus is considered viable, capable of surviving outside the womb.
Maternal conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension, cholestasis, two-vessel umbilical cord, intrauterine growth restriction, or being small for gestational age can increase the risk of IUFD.
When medical providers miss critical warning signs or fail to act on fetal distress, IUFD can sometimes be the result of preventable errors. We help families understand what may have happened and explore available options.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We provide compassionate support, guidance, and advocacy to help you make informed decisions during this difficult time.
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What You Should Know About IUFD
IUFD, or stillbirth after 20 weeks of gestation, is a heartbreaking event that can have many causes. Families benefit from understanding the medical risk factors, prevention strategies, and potential legal considerations if preventable errors contributed to the loss.
Understanding IUFD
IUFD occurs in about 1 in 100 pregnancies. Early stillbirth (20–27 weeks) is slightly more common than late stillbirth (28 weeks or later). After 24 weeks, a fetus is considered viable.
What Increases IUFD Risk
Maternal conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension, cholestasis, two-vessel umbilical cord, intrauterine growth restriction, or small-for-gestational-age fetuses can raise the risk.
How Risk Can Be Managed
Careful prenatal monitoring, prompt diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential to prevent IUFD. Missed warning signs or untreated complications may contribute directly to fetal death.
Other Factors to Know
Genetic abnormalities, infections, and placental complications can also increase IUFD risk and should be evaluated by healthcare providers.
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