Finding into death of Martha Alice Fraser

0y · Female·Intrapartum hypoxia due to breech delivery with head entrapment and associated cord compression

Martha Alice Fraser was born on 30 May 2011 following an unplanned home birth in a frank breech presentation. Her mother, Ms Wood, went into spontaneous labour at home but did not reach hospital in time. The delivery involved head entrapment and cord compression leading to intrapartum hypoxia and death. The coroner found that adequate advice was provided about risks and birthing options, but highlighted that the rapidity of labour and delayed hospital notification were critical factors. The coroner concluded the death was preventable—had Ms Wood been in hospital, the baby would likely have survived. Key issues included the adequacy of information about the risks of vaginal breech delivery, the urgency of hospital attendance once labour started, and the accuracy of ultrasound imaging. While Dr S.'s advice and clinical management were deemed adequate, the family's failure to recognise labour urgency and reach hospital in time proved fatal.