Intrauterine fetal demise and late motherhood - a case report

Background: Intrauterine fetal death is a potential risk in each stage of pregnancy, regardless of the mother’s age. In Poland in 2015, new standards of care were introduced for women with obstetric failure. Aim of the study: This study aimed to analyze intrauterine fetal demise in the context of late motherhood. Material and methods: Medical documentation and a semi-structured interview were used. Case report: A 41-year old primipara in 37 weeks of pregnancy, who had not felt fetal movements for 2 days, was diagnosed with intrauterine fetal demise. The pregnancy was uneventful before, but the patient suffered from hypertension and severe obesity. As a result of induced labor, a male neonate weighing 2260 g, 49 cm long, with no signs of vital functions, was born. After the birth, it was established that the child died due to an umbilical cord accident. The mother was given the appropriate time to see the child for the last time. During delivery and hospitalization, the patient’s privacy was ensured, she was isolated from other women in labor and new mothers and was assisted by her family. During the hospital stay, the patient was under the care of the obstetrician, midwife and clinical psychologist. She was discharged from the hospital after 6 days. Conclusions: The loss of a child is one of the most traumatic experiences for a mother, particularly in the case of older mothers. A woman’s fertility declines with age, so getting pregnant again might prove extremely difficult for older women.