Intrapartum deaths
Of the 28 intrapartum stillbirths, 46% were due to an acute, preventable event, such as fetal asphyxia, which was evidenced by non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns (where recorded) or loss of fetal heart rate in labour. Concurrent maternal medical or surgical conditions were present in three (11%) cases, with the most common being hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (n=4). Of these intrapartum deaths, three had complications of the cord, placenta or membranes (two with acute cord prolapse), and three were due to extreme prematurity. Low birthweight was present in five cases and fetal heart rate monitoring during the second stage of labour was not documented or performed for the 92% of cases.