Management of Perinatal Death
William T. Speck MD1
John H. Kennell MD2
1 Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
2 Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
Death in the peninatal period is a common occurrence, about one in 100 deliveries. Grief reactions in parents always occur following such deaths—with frequent symptoms of distress or changes in behavior. It appears to help parents overcome the grief to view or hold their dead child, name it, allow grief to be expressed, have a funeral, and avoid tranquilizing medications, and for the physician to meet with the parents soon after the death to discuss findings of the autopsy, three or four days later and again six months after the death. It is unwise for parents to have another baby until the grieving has been completed.
