Ultrasound findings in gestations destined for unanticipated fetal demise.

Abstract

There are few reports of ultrasound findings in the second and third trimesters preceding intrauterine fetal demise. To describe these findings, the ultrasound assessments of 36 structurally normal singleton fetuses with subsequent intrauterine fetal demise were compared to gestational age-matched controls. Compared to controls, it was found that biparietal diameter, head circumference, femur length and estimated fetal weight were all decreased, abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume were more frequent, but the cephalic index was not different. Upon delivery, the group with subsequent intrauterine fetal demise was not found to have any major anomalies, but had a high incidence of abnormal umbilical cord position, abruptio placentae, chorioamnionitis and meconium aspiration.