New information issued yesterday seeks to help women who face the pain of having a baby die just before birth.
The problem afflicts one in 200 pregnancies – and women have to be advised that they need to go through natural childbirth if possible.
The guidance explains to bereaved mothers that this will help reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
It has been drawn up by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and sets out the parents’ rights.
These include asking for a second scan to confirm the death – and the possibility of a funeral if the baby is born after 24 weeks.
Philippa Marsden, chair of the college’s patient information committee, said: “Being told that your baby has died before birth is devastating for the parents and families involved and good information is vital.
"This new patient information is written in an accessible way and covers many of the questions parents will have, particularly about choices for birth and the various tests parents will be offered, which may provide answers and help with a future pregnancy.
"It is intended to complement information from Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, which offers support to anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.”
Leave a Reply