Subdural Hemorrhage in Utero

Acute subdural hemorrhage following the trauma of a difficult birth is a recognized cause of an increase in head circumference and anemia soon after birth.1 Although major subdural hemorrhages occurring in the fetus before the onset of labor are relatively rare, in most reported cases these also have been traumatic, the result of motor vehicle accidents or assaults.2-7 With few exceptions, there have been associated uteroplacental or other fetal injuries. In 1977, MacDonald et al8 believed they were making the first case report of an infant born with hydrocephalus and anemia due to bilateral subdural hematomas in which there was no history of maternal trauma.