Prevention of emotional disability following stillbirth--the role of the obstetric team.

As many as one-third of women bereaved by stillbirth suffer psychological decompensation and a similar proportion see the obstetric team as unsupportive. The present paper adopts the view that the actions of the obstetric team during the crucial hours preceding and following the death are powerful determinants of the emotional outcome. Twelve guidelines for practical management of the delivery room situation are described. The characteristics of women most at risk of subsequent psychological decompensation are outlined. Indications for psychiatric referral are summarized.