How does a doctor know your baby is dead for few days?
A medical professional may suspect a baby has been deceased for a few days based on several signs and indicators, including:- Livor Mortis: Discoloration of the body caused by the settling of blood in the lower parts due to gravity, which progressively appears over time.
- Rigor Mortis: Stiffening of the body due to chemical changes in the muscles after death, which typically begins a few hours after death and peaks within 12 to 24 hours before gradually resolving.
- Algor Mortis: Cooling of the body as it loses heat to the surrounding environment, which can provide an estimate of the time since death.
- Decomposition: This process begins several days after death and involves the breaking down of the body tissues. Signs of decomposition may include bloating, skin discoloration, and a foul odor.
- Entomological Evidence: The presence of certain insect activity on the body, such as flies or maggots, can also provide clues to the time since death and can be helpful in determining if a baby has been deceased for several days.
- Medical Tests: Certain medical tests, such as blood chemistry analysis, may provide information about the state of the body and the time elapsed since death.