Post mortem results are usually available within 6 to 8 weeks but may sometimes take longer if special tests are done. In most cases, the funeral can be held as soon as the post mortem examination itself is completed. There is no need to wait for the post mortem results. 

 Many parents find waiting for the post mortem results very stressful. You should be given an appointment with your consultant obstetrician or your baby’s neonatologist to discuss the findings.

Post mortem results
Your appointment to discuss the post mortem results will be at the hospital. Some parents find it hard to go back to the place where their baby died. But it is important to have this opportunity to discuss the results with the consultant who cared for you or your baby. If your baby was stillborn or died in the maternity unit, you will probably see the consultant obstetrician. If your baby died in the neonatal unit, you will probably see the consultant neonatologist.

The consultant will explain the post mortem results and discuss them with you. You will normally be given a summary of the results, the full report will be sent to the mother’s GP. If you want your own full copy, the mother can write to the hospital to ask for one. If a genetic abnormality hasbeen found, the consultant will offer you an appointment with a genetic counsellor.

 A consultant neonatologist will not have the mother’s hospital notes, but if she wants to discuss her antenatal care and what happened during the labour she can ask for an appointment with the obstetrician. It is a good idea, before you go, to write a list of questions. You may want to ask if there are any
implications for a future pregnancy, and what could be done in the future to reduce any risks.

You may also want to discuss the best time to start trying for another baby.
Many parents have high expectations of the post mortem and hope that the results will provide some clues as to why their baby died. However, in some cases doctors can find no reason for the baby’s death.