Traumatic fetal deaths.

This study was undertaken to characterize traumatic third trimester fetal deaths in terms of maternal injuries, seat belt use, and clinical course. All traumatic fetal deaths reported to the Chief Coroner's Office in Ontario (population approximately 9 million) over the five year period 1982-1986 (incl) were reviewed. A total of 13 cases were reported. All of these were third trimester deaths, 5 being of 36 weeks gestations or more. In 8 of 13 cases, maternal injuries were either very minor or limited solely to the uterus and placenta. In 4 of these cases, the mother was examined in hospital and discharged having sustained only trivial injuries. In the remaining 5 cases, the mothers sustained serious injuries. The causes of fetal demise were placental abruption, infarction, laceration, or uterine rupture. In 5 of 13 cases, the fetus also suffered significant injuries usually to the head. In only 4 of 13 cases was the mother wearing restraints. Traumatic fetal death is a rare but important consequence of motor vehicle crashes and may occur despite relatively trivial maternal injuries.