Other causes of fetal death

Although perinatal mortality rates have fallen considerably in the past several decades, the fetal component of this statistic has not decreased as rapidly as the neonatal portion. Syphilis, a significant cause of fetal death at the beginning of this century, has been eliminated and other conditions such as erythroblastosis fetalis and diabetes mellitus have been markedly reduced. It is clear, however, that minimum fetal mortality has not been achieved. Potentially salvagable fetuses still die from the effects of maternal hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, and post-maturity. Widespread application of current knowledge and techniques would save some of these fetuses; others will only be saved with an increased understanding of pathological processes and their treatment. In the meantime, it is imperative that those involved in obstetrical care follow the sound principles of accurate determination of gestation age, identification of patients at risk for fetal death, meticulous care of associated medical conditions, and careful attention to the progress of pregnancy.