Fetal death from asphyxia or anoxia during labor

This code signifies the intrauterine demise of a fetus due to a lack of oxygen or impaired respiration that occurred specifically during the process of labor. It indicates that the fetus was alive at the onset of labor but succumbed to asphyxia or anoxia before delivery.

This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly documents a fetal death where the primary cause is identified as oxygen deprivation during labor. Documentation should specify the timing of the anoxic event as intrapartum, distinguishing it from antepartum fetal demise.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "during labor" for the anoxic event, not just "fetal death due to asphyxia."
• Differentiate from fetal death due to other causes or those occurring prior to the onset of labor.
• Review the obstetric record for details on labor progression, fetal monitoring, and the timing of fetal demise.