Permeability of membranes of dead fetus.

Membranes of dead fetuses showed a three-fold increase in permeability to the haemoglobin molecule when compared with normal and stored membranes. The friability of some of these membranes was markedly increased and their strength and elasticity diminished. These findings may be significant in the aetiology of the hypofibrinogenaemia and the increased incidence of amniotic fluid embolism with intrauterine death of the fetus.