What is termed as the loss of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy?

• A. Miscarriage
• B. Stillbirth
• C. Preterm Birth
• D. Fetal Demise

Answer: (B)

The term for the loss of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy is stillbirth. This term specifically refers to the death of a fetus that occurs during the second half of pregnancy, starting from 20 weeks gestation. It is important to differentiate between stillbirth and other terms related to pregnancy loss, as they refer to different stages or circumstances.

A miscarriage typically refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, while preterm birth pertains to babies born alive before 37 weeks of gestation, and fetal demise may be used interchangeably with stillbirth but is less commonly recognized in medical contexts. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appropriate support, guidance, and care for those experiencing pregnancy loss, particularly as the emotional and physical implications can vary significantly between the different types of loss.