A review of intrapartum fetal deaths, 1982 to 2002.
This study identifies cases of unexpected intrapartum fetal deaths over 20 years in a Canadian tertiary hospital. Of 121,659 births, 82 were intrapartum deaths. Eleven fetuses were considered viable and nonanomalous. Six deaths were deemed ideally preventable. Application of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and rapid operative delivery may reduce the already low rate of intrapartum fetal deaths.
Mattatall
Fiona M
FM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. fiona.mattatall@gmail.com
O'Connell
Colleen M
CM
Baskett
Thomas F
TF
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D036801:Parturition; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors