The most significant task of the pathologist examining a fetal death is, if
possible, the provision of an explanation for the event, which will allow
the clinical attendants to counsel the family in an informed and relevant m
anner. In some cases, no adequate explanation will be possible, though many
conditions will be excluded and the importance of this exercise is worth e
mphasising. Often, however, a combination of fetal, maternal or placental c
onditions can be found and a full or partial explanation offered, and it is
the purpose of this broadsheet to highlight some of these conditions and p
rovide suggestions as to sources of further practical help.