Summary
The purpose of this guideline is to identify evidence-based options for parents and their families who have a late intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) after 24+0 completed weeks of pregnancy of a singleton fetus and to incorporate information on general care before, during and after birth, and care in future pregnancies.
The guidance is primarily intended for obstetricians and midwives but also for women and their families, general practitioners and commissioners of health care. This guideline does not include the management of pregnancies at the current limit of viability (22+0 to 23+6 weeks), multiple pregnancies with a surviving fetus, fetal death following late feticide, late birth of fetus papyraceous or the management of specific medical conditions associated with increased risk of late IUFD although many of the principles may be extrapolated to these clinical situations.
Recommendations about the psychological aspects of late IUFD are focused on the main principles of care to provide a framework of practice for maternity clinicians.
COVID disclaimer
This guideline was developed as part of the regular programme of Green-top Guidelines, as outlined in our document Developing a Green-top Guideline: Guidance for developers, and initiated prior to the emergence of COVID-19.
Version history
This is the second edition of this guideline.
The review process will commence in 2027, unless otherwise indicated.
Developers’ declarations of interest
Available on request