Maternal injury affecting fetus or newborn

This code signifies an adverse effect on a fetus or newborn resulting directly from a maternal injury sustained during pregnancy or childbirth. It encompasses conditions such as fetal fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, or anoxia caused by trauma to the mother. The injury to the mother directly impacts the developing fetus or neonate.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly links a specific maternal injury (e.g., motor vehicle accident, fall, assault) to a subsequent injury or adverse condition in the fetus or newborn. It should be used as a secondary diagnosis to specify the cause of the fetal/neonatal condition. Documentation must explicitly state the maternal injury and its impact on the offspring.

• Always sequence this code after the specific fetal or neonatal condition it caused.
• Do not use this code for congenital anomalies unless directly caused by a maternal injury.
• Ensure the medical record clearly identifies the maternal injury and the resulting fetal/neonatal consequence.