What does fetal death refer to?

Fetal death specifically refers to the death of the fetus or unborn child before the moment of delivery. This is typically determined by the absence of heartbeats and other indications of life, occurring at any point during the pregnancy up until the time of birth. In medical terms, it is recognized as the loss of a product of conception that has not yet been delivered, distinguishing it from other scenarios like maternal death or stillbirth, which has different implications. Understanding fetal death is crucial for proper medical care, statistics, and emotional support for families experiencing loss.