ABSTRACT
The patient will have to be informed of the diagnosis. An attempt should be made to contact her partner or close relative if she is alone. Although she should be given this option, this should not delay the counselling. Following this, she needs time to react to the bad news. The family should therefore be given some time on their own. The initial reaction will be denial but eventually the response will turn to anger and frustration. The counselling and support must therefore be with sensitivity and demonstrate empathy and understanding. The next step will be to discuss the available options, which will include undertaking investigations before and after delivery to help identify a possible cause of the IUFD, delivery and postnatal care. It is important that the consultant on call, her GP and midwife should be informed.
