What term describes fetal death occurring in pregnancies less than 20 weeks of gestation and weighing 50 grams or less?

The term that accurately describes fetal death occurring in pregnancies less than 20 weeks of gestation and weighing 50 grams or less is "early fetal death." This designation is used to classify fetal losses that happen at an early stage of pregnancy, specifically before the 20-week mark. At this period, the losses are often referred to as "early" to differentiate them from later fetal deaths, which occur after 20 weeks of gestation.

The classification is important in clinical and research settings because it helps in understanding and addressing the various risks, causes, and management strategies for different stages of pregnancy loss. Early fetal death captures the specific circumstances surrounding very early term losses, which may differ in their etiologies and implications from those that occur later in pregnancy. Understanding this classification is vital for health professionals when discussing pregnancy outcomes and assessing perinatal health.