Abstract

LASSO, E. et al. Postmortem fetal extrusion. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2009, n.55, pp.77-81. ISSN 1988-611X.

An extremely unusual event in forensic pathology is the postmortem fetal extrusion or "coffin birth". It is defined as the expulsion of a dead fetus after the death of a pregnant woman when the maternal uterus shows signs of putrefaction. It is considered that the gases generated during the emphysematous phase of the cadaveric putrefaction may distend the uterus causing partial or total fetal extrusion. We present the case of a seven month pregnant woman who disappeared and was found dead some days later in a state of advanced putrefaction. The fetus was discovered inside the woman’s underwear at the moment of undressing the body before autopsy. At the same time, an historical review of the issue is carried out.

Keywords : postmortem fetal extrusión; coffin birth; postmortem caesarean section.

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