Inquest: 24-week premature birth with infection and cocaine exposure

A newborn boy died within hours of an unexpected home birth at about 24 weeks gestation in Builth Wells, Powys, after emergency services took him to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, an inquest heard. The infant was delivered roughly 16 weeks before his expected due date and died later the same day despite efforts by paramedics and hospital staff.

Pontypridd Coroner Rachel Knight recorded the medical cause of death as prematurity, with secondary causes listed as an amniotic fluid infection and antenatal exposure to cocaine. The coroner said the baby’s mother tested positive for cocaine use during pregnancy and had minimal engagement with antenatal services before the birth. Postmortem testing identified an infection of the amniotic fluid, sometimes known as chorioamnionitis. The coroner added that it was unclear to what extent each factor contributed to the premature birth and the infant’s death.

“His arrival was unexpected and, following his delivery, emergency services were called and attended swiftly,” Coroner Knight told the hearing. “Despite their best efforts, sadly the baby’s condition did not improve and he died later the same day at Prince Charles Hospital,...