BMJ  2005;331 (12 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7525.0-c

Stillbirths could be better classified

The high prevalence of fetal growth restriction preceding stillbirth may be hidden by a current classification system. Gardosi and colleagues (p 1113) developed a new classification of stillbirths and compared it with the conventional Wigglesworth classification. The new classification reduced the proportion of unexplained stillbirths from 66% to just over 15%, with fetal growth restriction accounting for almost 60% of previously unexplained stillbirths. Rates of intrapartum asphyxia were also reduced when the new classification was used, from almost 12% to just over 3%.

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