ReCoDe is a new classification system for stillbirths which is now used at the Perinatal Institute, in addition to the three current methods (Wigglesworth, Fetal & Neonatal and Aberdeen/Obstetric) required by CEMACH, formerly CESDI. The Perinatal Institute maintains that there is an urgent need to improve on CEMACH’s current classification system, which results in the majority of stillbirths being classified as ‘unexplained’ – see commentary in the 8th CESDI Report. Based on West Midlands stillbirths from 2001, ReCoDe leaves only 14% in the 'unclassified' category, and identifies 62% of 'unexplained' stillbirths as having had fetal growth restriction.

	Click here to view the ReCoDe Classification
	Click here to view article on ReCoDe in BMJ, 2005
	Click here to view Guidlines for use of ReCoDe