Is it safe to wait for more than 12 hours for normal delivery of a dead fetus?

Hi,

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Sorry to hear about your sister's loss. Please do not worry about the treatment that is going on. Your doctor is doing the right thing. I know all of you are mentally disturbed about the loss, but this is the right thing. This is the tough part to explain to the mother and relatives after fetal demise. The baby is in an airtight sac, and as long as the water is not broken, there is no chance of any infections entering the uterus and affecting the mother. A dead baby can stay there for weeks without causing any problem. As it is 26 weeks, there will not be any coagulation problems. The body will slowly start to push the baby out. That is what the doctor is waiting for.

The fever could be because of the long hours of crying or reduced water intake by the mother or if she has had repeated vaginal examinations. I would suggest giving tablet Misoprostol 400 mcg vaginally every four hours. Along with a good antibiotic cover. This medicine will soften the cervix and induce the uterus to start contracting. After three to six doses maximum, she will expel the fetus. Do not worry about infection or bleeding problems. They are not so significant as long as the doctor or staff who are examining her and administering her are using strict aseptic measures.

Hope I have clarified your query, do write back. All the best.

Thank you.