When evaluating a stillborn fetus, which method helps document abnormalities?

Photographs are invaluable in the evaluation of a stillborn fetus as they provide thorough, visual documentation of any physical abnormalities that may be present. This method allows for detailed recording and analysis of external and sometimes internal features at the time of examination, which can be essential for understanding potential causes of stillbirth and for providing families with visual evidence. The images can also be referenced in subsequent consultations or autopsies, facilitating a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss.

While tests for infection, genetic screening, and radiological reports are useful in the overall evaluation, they do not provide the same immediate visual record that photographs do. These methods may contribute important information, but photographs stand out for their ability to capture the physical state of the fetus at the time of evaluation, making them a crucial component in documenting abnormalities.