Fetus papyraceous: a rare cause for obstruction to spontaneous placental expulsion.

Fetus papyraceous is a mummified compressed fetus occurring in association with a viable twin. Incidence of this rare condition is 1 in 12,500 cases of twins. We report a case of fetus papyraceous which caused obstruction to spontaneous expulsion of placenta. Antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound examination is not always possible. Careful exploration of placenta after delivery is recommended. Diagnosis of this condition helps in evaluation of risk to surviving fetus as well as registration and documentation of this rare condition.