Patient's question:
I am a 47-year-old advanced-pregnancy woman. On September 28, 2012, an ultrasound examination revealed: intrauterine presence of a gestational sac measuring 14mm + 16mm + 11mm, with no fetal pole observed and no yolk sac visible. Blood test results showed PRGE progesterone at 17.7 ng/mL and hCG > 5000 mIU/mL. Due to persistent lower abdominal discomfort and intermittent distension, the doctor prescribed intramuscular injections of 20mg progesterone twice daily. However, the symptoms did not improve significantly. On October 4, 2012, a follow-up ultrasound examination showed: intrauterine presence of a gestational sac measuring 20mm + 18mm + 14mm, with no fetal pole observed but a yolk sac visible. The doctor then instructed intramuscular injections of 20mg progesterone once daily. Currently, lower abdominal heaviness and distension persist during the day, but there is no sensation during sleep.Doctor's answer:
In your case, it may be possible that the fetus has stopped developing, and the fetus has died in the uterine cavity. Common causes of fetal death include umbilical cord abnormalities, fetal malformations, and maternal diseases that lead to placental dysfunction, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply and fetal hypoxia leading to death. If the dead fetus remains in the uterus for too long, it can cause maternal coagulation dysfunction, leading to uncontrollable postpartum hemorrhage during delivery, which poses a significant risk to the mother. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential. It is recommended to induce abortion as soon as possible to avoid causing maternal DIC.