Obstetric management of a fetus with nonlethal osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is the common term for a heterogeneous group of heritable disorders of connective tissue with lethal and nonlethal forms. Prenatal diagnosis presents difficult medical and ethical issues. Of concern are the following: 1) the certainty of diagnosis, 2) the severity of disease, 3) the prognosis for survival and ambulation, and 4) the appropriate mode of delivery. A case of nonlethal fetal osteogenesis imperfecta managed by vaginal delivery is discussed.