“…The specimen was imme diately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and the time interval from opening the uterus to the freezing (% -3 min) was noted (the uterine blood flow is reduced by rupture of the foetal membranes [BrotAnek and H odr, 1968]; therefore in the present study this intervention was considered to start the foetal asphyxia). In 21 cases, the umbilical cord was then clamped and divided, and the foetus was left in the maternal abdomen to ensure unchanged external thermal conditions.…”