Fetal hemorrhage associated with congenital intestinal atresia.

We encountered two cases of severe intrauterine hemorrhage associated with congenital intestinal atresia. In both cases, the first sign that necessitated immediate clinical management was the abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, represented by prolonged bradycardias and late decelerations. This occurred immediately after the onset of labor. An emergency cesarean section was performed on both patients and, despite being born with severe anemia, the condition of the infants was excellent. We found that continuous fetal heart rate monitoring should be performed if polyhydramniosis suspected, when the fetus is diagnosed with congenital intestinal atresia and when changes in intrauterine pressure are clinically expected, such as at the onset of labor or after amniocentesis.