ABSTRACT
Fetal, perinatal and paediatric autopsies differ considerably from those of adults. These autopsies should be undertaken only by those trained in these examinations, especially in medicolegal cases where a joint autopsy or double-doctored approach should be adopted unless the pathologist is an accredited forensic paediatric pathologist. The objectives of fetal and perinatal autopsies are: to determine, as far as possible, the gestational age; and to determine, as far as possible, the time of death. Examination of the placenta is an integral part of perinatal and fetal autopsies. The placenta should be submitted to the pathologist in the fresh state. In the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, vascular communications may be demonstrated in the placenta by injecting a barium/gelatine mixture into the umbilical vessels of the donor twin. The placental examination constitutes an important component of the stillborn autopsy and many variables should be considered when exploring the maternal—fetal—placental unit.
