Which of the following best describes fetal death?

The best description of fetal death among the provided options is the indication of death signified by the absence of signs of life after separation. This definition aligns with the established medical understanding of fetal death, which is confirmed when a fetus shows no signs of life, such as heartbeat or movement, following the separation from the mother during delivery.

The timing of the fetal death is critical here, as it implies that the fetus has reached a stage in which it would typically show such signs if alive. The focus is on the confirmation of death post-delivery, which is a standard practice in clinical settings. This definition accounts for complexities such as the gestational age and viability of the fetus at the time of death, emphasizing the need for clear clinical indicators of death in the context of midwifery and obstetric care.

The other options do not fully encapsulate the medical definition of fetal death in the same way. For instance, while one option mentions death before a specific gestational age, it does not address the need for evidence of lack of life following separation, which is crucial for a formal diagnosis. Another option refers to post-birth scenarios, which do not relate to fetal mortality, whereas the accurate definition revolves around the absence of life signs when the fetus