Case report: Fetomaternal hemorrhage-a lethal case and clinical insights for perinatal practice

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is a pathological process that can cause severe perinatal complications. Its clinical manifestations are often insidious, which makes it prone to missed diagnosis. It can occur in low-risk pregnancies without identifiable risk factors, posing significant challenges to obstetric and neonatal clinicians. This case report aims to highlight the prenatal warning signs, diagnostic workflow, and management pitfalls of acute massive FMH, providing actionable insights for clinical practice.

A neonate born at 34⁺¹ weeks exhibited severe anemia, metabolic acidosis, and shock. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts and comprehensive multi-organ support, the infant deteriorated into fatal multi-organ failure within 25 h. A maternal Kleihauer-Betke test confirmed the diagnosis, estimating a fetal blood loss of 175 mL (approximately 85.8 mL/kg). Placental pathology revealed only focal villous edema.

FMH is an insidious perinatal emergency that demands heightened vigilance even in low-risk pregnancies. Reduced fetal movements, when combined with abnormal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and cardiotocography findings, should prompt immediate obstetric evaluation. Timely multidisciplinary intervention (obstetric emergency delivery and neonatal resuscitation) and adherence to standardized diagnostic-therapeutic pathways are essential to mitigate adverse outcomes. This case provides valuable clinical insights for the early identification and management of massive FMH, particularly in pregnancies without preexisting risk factors.