What is the first recommended method to obtain a karyotype in the event of a stillbirth?

In the event of a stillbirth, obtaining a karyotype is critical for understanding any chromosomal abnormalities that may have contributed to the loss. The method recommended first is to collect an internal fetal specimen, which typically allows for the acquisition of a sample that reflects the fetal genetic material.

While amniocentesis can be used to gather fetal cells prior to delivery in some cases, it is generally not performed after a fetal demise has already occurred, as this procedure aims to diagnose conditions before delivery. In the case of stillbirth, pursuing the karyotype through direct collection of fetal tissue is more pertinent because it provides a more definitive evaluation of the chromosome status.

Collecting a segment of the umbilical cord or a placental block are options but are considered secondary and are typically less reliable for assessing fetal genetic material. Therefore, the internal fetal specimen method is the primary recommended approach in this context for obtaining a comprehensive karyotype.