Stillbirth: Options and Concerns After Fetal Heartbeat Loss

Intrauterine fetal demise?

On January 23rd, during my prenatal check-up, it was discovered that the fetus no longer had a heartbeat.
The expected gestational age was 10 weeks, but the actual growth was approximately 7 weeks.
During this period, I experienced no discomfort.
On January 24th, I went to another hospital for confirmation.
The doctor suggested that taking medication might not successfully induce a miscarriage, but it was still worth a try.
Since the doctor believed the fetus no longer had a heartbeat, there was no need to prescribe RU486; instead, they prescribed a strong medication to accelerate uterine contractions and mentioned that I should expect to see bleeding within 1-3 hours after taking the medication.
I took the medication on January 25th at 3 PM, and it wasn't until around 8 PM that I started to see some bleeding, which has continued to today, although the amount is still very minimal.
Does this mean that the medication is unlikely to clear everything out, and that I will definitely need a surgical procedure? Or is there any way I can use external factors (like exercise or certain foods) to help the medication work or promote uterine contractions for better results? Thank you!

jade, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/01/26

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Before and after using RU-486, an ultrasound examination should be performed to confirm whether the abortion has been completed.

Reply Date: 2005/01/26

More Info

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. Experiencing stillbirth or fetal heartbeat loss is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. It's important to approach this situation with care and to understand the options available to you.

When a fetal heartbeat is lost, as in your case, it can lead to a condition known as missed miscarriage, where the body does not recognize that the pregnancy has ended. This can sometimes result in the need for medical intervention to help the body expel the pregnancy tissue. The options typically include medication or surgical procedures.

In your case, it sounds like you were prescribed medication to help induce contractions and facilitate the process of miscarriage. The medication you received is likely intended to stimulate the uterus to contract and help expel the fetal tissue. It's not uncommon for the process to take some time, and the timing of bleeding can vary significantly from person to person. If you started to see some bleeding after taking the medication, that is a positive sign that the medication is having some effect, but it does not guarantee that the process will be complete.

Regarding your concerns about whether the medication will be effective or if surgical intervention will be necessary, it's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend an ultrasound to check if there is still any retained tissue in the uterus. If there is, surgical options such as dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary to ensure that the uterus is cleared completely.
As for using external methods such as exercise or dietary changes to promote uterine contractions, while some people believe that certain activities can help, it's crucial to approach this with caution. Engaging in vigorous exercise or taking certain foods may not significantly impact the process and could potentially lead to complications. It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative methods.

In terms of emotional support, this is a challenging time, and it's important to seek help. Many hospitals and clinics offer counseling services for individuals and couples experiencing pregnancy loss. Connecting with support groups or talking to a mental health professional can also be beneficial as you navigate through your feelings of grief and loss.

In summary, while the medication you took may be effective, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the next steps. They can provide guidance on whether further medical intervention is necessary and offer support throughout this difficult time. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this experience.

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