Stillbirth checklist
NHS Borders clinical guidelines
Warning
A printable version of this checklist with space to record dates, times and signatures is available.
On diagnosis
Inform the following people:
- on-call consultant
- patient's consultant (if appropriate)
- paediatrician
Give condolences given to parents and explain investigations/procedures.
Blood tests for late (>18 weeks) pregnancy loss
|
FBC Kleihauer |
2 small red (EDTA) tubes | Haematology form |
|
Anticardiolipin antibodies Lupus anticoagulant Clotting screen |
1 brown 1 pink 2 green coagulation tubes |
Haematology form |
| Group and save | 1 large red tube | Cross match form |
| HbA1C | 1 yellow (fluoride oxalate tube) | Biochemistry form |
| Toxoplasma, rubella, CMV and parovirus B19 screen |
1 brown (clotted blood tube) |
Bacteriology form |
| Genetics from both parents if PM planned | 1 Lithium Heparin 1 EDTA (ie 2 tubes per parent) |
Forms from Clinical Genetics at Western General - find via Google |
NB Clotting screen and Kleihauer should be taken on diagnosis and not left until after delivery.
Placental swabs should be sent if there is any suspicion of chorionamnionitis.
See the second or third trimester sections of the ‘Medical Termination of Pregnancy’ guideline in NHS Borders gynaecology content for medications and dosages.
Following delivery
- Complete Certificate of Stillbirth (orange book) if >24 weeks. The midwife may also do this.
- Post mortem discussion (must be led by a consultant or at least ST6) - decision made - Y or N?
- If yes:
- complete Post Mortem Examination Authorisation form and ensure it is signed by parents
- give white copy to parents
- send the pink copy to be sent to pathology
- retain blue copy in notes
- Is the mother Rhesus negative - Y or N? Prescribe Anti-D accordingly.
- Thromboprophylaxis required - Y or N? Prescribe enoxaparin as per unit policy.
- Complete a discharge letter and send a copy to pathology.