title: Comprehensive Review of the Stillborn Placenta.
abstract: Stillbirth is a common complication of pregnancy, affecting one in every 160 women in the United States who are pregnant. Stillbirth has a significant adverse medical and psychological impact on families. Identifying the cause of stillbirth can yield recommendations for the management of future pregnancies, provide a risk of recurrence, and give families a sense of closure. The placental examination is one component of a comprehensive stillbirth investigation. A systematic approach to the examination of the placenta is presented, along with an explanation of critical findings that have been associated with stillbirth. A checklist for placental evaluation by the provider who attends the birth is provided, along with information on stillbirth assessment programs.
authors.forename: Jennifer N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Weida
authors.forename: Frank P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Schubert
authors.forename: Meredith A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pastrick
authors.forename: Avinash S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Patil
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D050497:Stillbirth
keywords: amnion; placenta; pregnancy complications; stillbirth; umbilical cord