A post-mortem (also called an autopsy) is a medical examination to help understand the medical reason for why your baby died. A healthcare professional who knows about the post-mortem process will talk with you about your options of having a post-mortem and can answer any questions you have.
You might also find our booklet 'Understanding why your baby died' helpful.
You might also find our booklet 'Understanding why your baby died' helpful.
What is a post-mortem?
You will find more information about post-mortem examinations here along with what the consent process entails and what different types of post-mortem there are.
Parent-to-parent animation
The Parent to Parent Post-Mortem Authorisation animation is designed to help families understand what a post-mortem is. It was created together with the charity Held In Our Hearts.
If there are delays
We know that sometimes it can be months before you get the report on your baby's post-mortem. This can be very difficult. We have some advice about how to find out what is happening with the report.