Hildebrandt, Talisha

Female·meconium aspiration

Talisha Hildebrandt was stillborn at Ayr Hospital on 7 January 2007 due to meconium aspiration. The pregnancy was low-risk and managed appropriately. A CTG monitor showed concerning fetal heart rate changes, prompting urgent caesarean section. Meconium of tan colour was present, indicating the baby had inhaled meconium at least 24-48 hours before delivery. The coroner found the medical team's response time was acceptable, all procedures were competently performed, and the death could not have been prevented. An independent obstetrician expert confirmed appropriate management even on a Sunday and stated earlier intervention would not have changed the outcome. Maternal smoking may have been a contributing factor. The coroner made no adverse findings against medical staff and recommended system improvements including a second CTG monitor and enhanced antenatal screening.