Non-inquest findings into the death of Baby M

Female·Meconium aspiration syndrome

Baby M was born at home via unattended free birth after her mother had previously undergone caesarean section. The mother experienced rupture of membranes one day before labour and was at 42 weeks gestation, both risk factors for fetal distress and meconium aspiration. Baby M was born severely compromised (APGAR 2) with meconium aspiration syndrome and birth asphyxia. Despite emergency resuscitation at home by an off-duty paramedic and subsequent intensive care at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, she died within hours. Placental pathology revealed preeclampsia toxaemia, villitis of unknown aetiology, and a thin umbilical cord. The expert obstetric opinion concluded the death was likely preventable had skilled medical personnel been present at delivery to identify fetal distress and provide timely neonatal resuscitation.