Is the abdomen hard if the fetus dies in the womb?

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Hello, a stillbirth will not cause a hard abdomen. Symptoms of a stillbirth include:
1. cessation of fetal movement, disappearance of fetal heartbeat, and cessation of uterine growth;
2. shrinkage of the fundus and abdominal circumference, loss of breast tenderness and shrinkage;
3. prolonged stillbirth duration may lead to systemic fatigue, poor appetite, and lower abdominal heaviness.