Perinatal mortality

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Perinatal mortality refers to the death of a fetus or neonate and is the basis to calculate the perinatal mortality rate. It encompasses both stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The perinatal period is defined as the time frame starting from the 22nd week of gestation (154 days) to 7 completed days after birth.

Causes

Perinatal mortality can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Preterm birth
• Birth asphyxia
• Infections
• Congenital anomalies
• Complications of labor and delivery

Risk Factors

Several risk factors are associated with perinatal mortality, such as:

• Maternal age (both very young and advanced maternal age)
• Socioeconomic status
• Access to healthcare
• Maternal health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Multiple pregnancies

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce perinatal mortality include:

• Adequate prenatal care
• Management of maternal health conditions
• Timely and appropriate medical interventions during labor and delivery
• Education and support for expectant mothers

Global Perspective

Perinatal mortality rates vary significantly across different regions and countries. Factors influencing these rates include the quality of healthcare systems, availability of medical resources, and socioeconomic conditions.

See also

• Infant mortality
• Maternal mortality
• Neonatal intensive care unit
• Obstetrics
• Pediatrics