Abstract

This Confidential Enquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy (CESDI) report examines deaths from 1994-95 of infants from 20 weeks'gestation with an emphasis on intrapartum deaths. It concentrates on deaths in 1994-95 after the onset of labour and before the age of one month, of babies weighing at least 1500g and who were normally formed. It is a result of multidisciplinary assessments of the care provided to women and their babies throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and presents significant implications for midwives and affiliated health professionals. Poor CTG interpretation was a major contributor to sub-optimal care. [From the article's introduction]