Cause Of Death In The Foetus
The death of the foetus may be due to--(1) Immaturity or intra-uterine
malnutrition, or simply from deficient vitality; (2) complications
occurring during or immediately after birth, which may either be
unavoidable or inherent in the process of parturition, or may be induced
with criminal intent.
In the latter category come such accidents as the pressure of tumours in
the pelvic passages, or disease of th
bones in the mother, or pressure
on the cord from malposition of the child during labour, asphyxiation
from the funis being twisted tightly round the neck or limbs, or from
injuries due to falls on the floor in sudden labours. Where the death of
the foetus has been induced with criminal intent, it may be due to
punctured wounds of the fontanelles, orbits, heart, or spinal marrow;
dislocation of the neck; separation of the head from the body; fracture
of the bones of the head and face; strangulation; suffocation; drowning
in the closet pan or privy, or from being thrown into water.
Under the head of infanticide by commission, we have injuries of all
kinds; under infanticide by omission, neglecting to tie the cord,
allowing it to be suffocated by discharges in the bed, neglect to
provide food, clothes, and warmth, for the new-born child.