Unexpected stillbirth from umbilical cord hematoma

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Fetal Pathology

Background:

• Umbilical cord hematomas (UCHs) are rare but serious obstetric complications.
• They are associated with fetal distress and stillbirth in approximately 50% of cases.
• UCHs typically result from umbilical vein or artery wall rupture.

Observation:

• A case of sudden fetal demise during late labor is presented.
• The cause of death was identified post-mortem.
• This highlights the potential for umbilical cord hematomas to cause unexpected fetal death.

Findings:

• Post-mortem examination revealed umbilical cord hematomas as the cause of fetal demise.
• This underscores the critical role of umbilical cord examination in unexplained fetal deaths.

Implications:

• Thorough macroscopic and microscopic umbilical cord examination is essential for accurate cause-of-death determination.
• Clarifying the cause of fetal death aids in statistical analysis and parental grief resolution.
• Accurate diagnosis is vital for addressing potential medical malpractice claims.