Fetal anatomical abnormalities and other associated factors in middle-trimester abortion and their relevance to patient counselling.

Fetuses present in 91 consecutive spontaneous or missed middle-trimester abortions were studied anatomically and tissue karyotyping was attempted. Anatomical abnormalities were found in 32 fetuses, two of these also had chromosomal abnormalities, six of these abortions were associated with other possible aetiological factors. In a further 23 pregnancies there were probably significant aetiological factors associated with the abortion and in 10, where the fetus had arrested growth, there were two with other possible factors. From a prospective analysis of subsequent pregnancies it would appear that if all the factors relating to middle-trimester abortion, including fetal autopsy, are analysed, better patient counselling and realistic prognoses can be given for subsequent pregnancy.