How is a stillbirth diagnosed?

Stillbirth is the loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation, or after the fetus has reached a weight of 500 grams (1 pound). Stillbirth can be diagnosed by a variety of methods, including:

- Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus. If an ultrasound shows that the fetus has no heartbeat or movement, a stillbirth will be declared.

- Fetoscope: A fetoscope is a thin tube with a light and a camera on the end that is inserted into the uterus. A fetoscope can be used to directly observe the fetus and check for signs of life.

- Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure the levels of hormones that are produced by the placenta. If the levels of these hormones are low, it can be a sign of a stillbirth.

- Physical examination: A physical examination of the mother's abdomen can reveal signs of a stillbirth, such as a lack of fetal movement or a decrease in the size of the uterus.

In most cases, a stillbirth is diagnosed based on the results of an ultrasound and a physical examination. If there is any doubt about whether a stillbirth has occurred, additional tests, such as a fetoscope or blood tests, may be ordered.