Antepartum Fetal Demise: Toward Diagnostic and Therapeutic Efficacy of Management

Abstract

Management of women presenting with intrauterine fetal demise is complex, with medical, psychological, emotional and social variables that need careful consideration when determining the best way forward. The need for diagnostic assessment needs to be balanced against the wishes of the grieving patient and family, to allow adequate data collection that can help with insight into the etiology of the stillbirth as well as planning for management of the recurrence risk in a future pregnancy. Multidisciplinary involvement can aid the formulation of a sensitive patient-centred workup plan that can also enhance the evolution of a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the caregivers.