Antenatal and intrapartum care of pregnancy complicated by lethal fetal anomaly

Key content Congenital anomalies are the number one cause of infant mortality in the developed world. Antenatal diagnosis of lethal fetal abnormality is likely to have a profound psychological impact. The multidisciplinary team should aim to meet the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of the family, through appropriate referral in the latter aspect. Learning objectives To consider the psychological impact of an antenatal diagnosis of lethal fetal abnormality. To review the principles of informing parents about the diagnosis. To provide a framework for the management of a pregnancy involving a lethal fetal anomaly. To increase the awareness of the emotional and spiritual needs of the family. Ethical issues The dilemma of psychological impact of carrying a pregnancy with a lethal fetal anomaly for a mother and a family. The issues around care including feeding the liveborn baby with an anomaly.