Mothers' attitudes towards perinatal autopsy after stillbirth

Abstract

We investigated mothers' attitudes to autopsy of their stillborn baby and their experiences concerning information and treatment in relation to their loss in an observational study. Data were collected by postal questionnaires and telephone calls. Fifty-four of 72 mothers (76%) replied. Fifty-one (94%) received information from a physician about the possibility of having an autopsy; three (6%) did not get any information. The autopsy rate was 83% (n= 45). Thirty-six of 45 (80%) received adequate information about results. Twenty-five (56%) were pleased with how results were presented. Eleven (24%) were positive about individual contact with the pathologist who performed the autopsy. Fifty-one (94%) stated that their decision concerning autopsy was right. Mothers do not regret their decision concerning perinatal autopsy but they do not always receive thorough and timely information concerning autopsy and its results. Personal contact with the perinatal pathologist might help with specific questions both before and after autopsy.