Understanding why your baby died may be the most pressing question you have at this time. A post mortem (also called an autopsy) is the medical examination to help understand any factors that might have contributed to your baby’s death. Usually, a senior health professional will talk with you about the option of having a post mortem examination, shortly after your baby's death.
Unless it has been ordered by a coroner (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or a procurator fiscal (Scotland), a post mortem examination cannot be done without your consent. Post mortems on babies are undertaken by specialist doctors, known as paediatric or perinatal pathologist. There is more information in our new booklet in the chapter: Understanding why your baby died. Please click on the image below.