Spalding's sign explained

Spalding's sign is a sign used in obstetrics.^[1] It is named for Alfred Baker Spalding.^[2]

It is an indicator of fetal death. When fetal death has occurred loss of alignment and overriding of the bones of cranial vault occur due to shrinkage of cerebrum,^[3] abdominal sonar examination may reveal an overriding of the fetal cranial bones.^[4] Mostestimates place the precise time of fetal death at about 4–7 days before overlapping and separation of the fetalskull bones appear.^[5]

Notes and References

1. THOMSON JL . The differential diagnosis of Spalding's sign . Br J Radiol . 23 . 266 . 122–4, illust . February 1950 . 10.1259/0007-1285-23-266-122 . 15409772 .
2. A. B. Spalding. A pathogonomic sign of intra-uterine death. Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chicago, 1922, 34: 754.
3. Book: The essentials of forensic medicine and toxicology. Jaypee brothers. 2014. 9789351525578. New delhi. 438.
4. Olds' Maternal-Newborn Nursing, 8th edition, p. 1136
5. S. A. Journal of Radiology, March 1964, OVERLAPPING OF THE FOETAL SKULL BONES IN BREECH PRESENTATIONL. C. HANDLER, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town