INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT OF LATE FETAL INTRAUTERINE DEATH AND STILLBIRTH

The purpose of this guideline is to assist all healthcare professionals in the diagnosis, investigation and management of late fetal intrauterine death (IUFD) and stillbirth. The guidance is primarily intended as a resource for obstetricians and midwives but might also be useful for women and their partners, general practitioners and commissioners of healthcare. The objectives of the guideline are: • To standardise management of IUFD and stillbirth based on an evidence based best practice approach • To provide an investigation protocol to help health care providers determine the cause of fetal death • To incorporate information on general care before, during and after birth as well as care in future pregnancies • To ensure best practice with respect to the treatment given to bereaved parents The guideline does not include: • Management of multiple pregnancies with a surviving fetus • Late delivery of fetus papyraceous • Management of specific medical conditions associated with an increased risk of stillbirth or late IUFD These guidelines are designed to guide clinical judgment and not replace it. In individual cases a healthcare professional may, after careful consideration, decide not to follow a guideline if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the woman.