When a baby dies in the womb, a woman's body will typically react in a predictable way. Most women will go into labour naturally within 3 weeks of their baby dying. Here's a more detailed look at what happens:
The Physiological Process
- Natural Labor: The body recognizes that the pregnancy is no longer viable and begins to prepare for delivery. This process involves contractions of the uterus to expel the baby.
- Most women start to experience labor naturally within three weeks.
- Monitoring: If a woman chooses to wait for labor to start naturally after more than 48 hours, she will need to have a check-up at the hospital twice a week. This is because a small number of women can become unwell during this waiting time.
Options and Considerations
Although many women will begin labor naturally, there are different options available.
Waiting for Natural Labor
- This option allows the body to naturally initiate labor.
- As stated previously, this approach requires monitoring for safety reasons.
Induced Labor
- If labor does not start naturally or if there are other medical concerns, induction of labor may be necessary.
- This involves using medication to start the contractions.
Surgical Delivery
- In some cases, a surgical procedure, such as a D&C (dilation and curettage), may be used to remove the baby from the womb.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
The death of a baby in the womb is an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience for a woman and her partner.
- Grief: Women will grieve the loss of their baby, which is a normal and necessary process.
- Emotional Support: It's essential that women receive emotional support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, and support groups.
- Mental Health: Many women need psychological support to deal with this experience. Seeking help is essential and should be encouraged.
Summary of Key Points
| Action | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural labor typically starts | Within 3 weeks | Most women experience this |
| Check-up at hospital if waiting > 48 hrs | Twice a week | Necessary for monitoring and safety |
| Potential for induction | If labor doesn't start | Medication is used to start labor |
| Surgical delivery | In some cases | Used if other methods are not viable |
