Intrauterine Demise (IUD): Causes, Risks & Supportive Care

Pregnancy is a journey of hope and dreams, but sometimes, complications can occur that deeply affect both the parents and the family. One such complication is Intrauterine Demise (IUD) – also known as stillbirth – which refers to the loss of a baby inside the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

At Aashakiran IVF Pvt. Ltd. – North India’s most trusted and fastest-growing IVF chain, our compassionate team of experts including Dr. Asmita Mahla (Medical Director, 20+ years experience) and Dr. Shivani (Obs & Gynae) provide specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, ensuring timely detection, prevention, and emotional support for families facing such challenges.

🩸 What is Intrauterine Demise (IUD)?

Intrauterine Demise (IUD) occurs when a baby passes away in the mother’s womb after the mid-point of pregnancy (20 weeks or later). This differs from miscarriage, which happens before 20 weeks.

🔎 Causes of Intrauterine Demise

While sometimes the exact cause may not be identified, common reasons include:

Placental complications (placental abruption, insufficiency).
Umbilical cord accidents (knots, cord around the neck).
High blood pressure & preeclampsia.
Gestational diabetes.
Infections during pregnancy.
Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
Maternal health conditions (thyroid, autoimmune disorders, clotting problems).
Multiple pregnancy risks (twins, triplets).

⚠️ Risk Factors for IUD

Advanced maternal age (>35 years).
Previous history of IUD or miscarriage.
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use.
IVF and high-risk pregnancies requiring extra monitoring.

🩺 Signs & Symptoms

Many times, IUD may not show clear symptoms, but warning signs include:

Absence of fetal movements (baby’s kicks stop suddenly).
Spotting or bleeding.
Abdominal pain or cramping.
No fetal heartbeat detected on scan.

🧪 Diagnosis

Doctors at Aashakiran IVF use advanced tests to confirm IUD:

Ultrasound scan to check heartbeat and movement.
Doppler test for blood circulation.
Blood investigations to find underlying causes.

💊 Management of Intrauterine Demise

Management depends on the mother’s health and gestational age:

Induced labor to deliver the baby.
Surgical management (D&C) in early cases.
Medical treatment & emotional counseling for recovery.

Our team ensures that mothers receive emotional support, respectful care, and medical safety during this difficult time.

👶 Preventing Intrauterine Demise

Not all cases can be prevented, but risk can be reduced with:

Regular antenatal check-ups & ultrasounds.
Monitoring high-risk pregnancies (IVF, twins, diabetes, hypertension).
Healthy lifestyle – balanced diet, no smoking or alcohol.
Kick count monitoring in the third trimester (tracking baby’s movements).
Immediate consultation if movements decrease.

❓ FAQs on IUD

Q1. Can I conceive again after an intrauterine demise?
Yes, most women can have healthy pregnancies later. At Aashakiran IVF, we provide preconception counseling and special monitoring for subsequent pregnancies.

Q2. Is IUD common in IVF pregnancies?
IVF pregnancies are considered high-risk, but with proper care and monitoring at centers like Aashakiran IVF, the risk can be minimized.

Q3. How soon can I try again after an IUD?
It is usually advised to wait 3–6 months for physical and emotional healing, but it depends on individual health. Always consult your doctor before planning.

💜 Aashakiran IVF – Compassionate Care in Difficult Times

At Aashakiran IVF Pvt. Ltd., we understand that intrauterine demise is not just a medical condition but also an emotional loss. Our doctors provide 24×7 high-risk pregnancy care, advanced monitoring, and counseling to support families through this difficult phase and guide them safely towards future pregnancies.

📍 Visit us at Kharar | Ludhiana | Amritsar | Bathinda
📞 Call: 872-8080-222 for appointments
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🌐 Learn more: www.aashakiranivf.com