1. World problems
  2. Perinatal mortality

Perinatal mortality

  • Perinatal morbidity

Nature

Perinatal mortality comprises neonatal deaths and still-births. It overlaps somewhat with foetal death. The perinatal mortality in an area is very much an indication of the quality of the maternal and child health services in general, and of the quality of antenatal and maternity care in particular. The causes of perinatal mortality are those of the component problems.

Background

There are 130 official ways for an infant to die. These are listed in the International Classification of Diseases sanctioned by WHO. After 1979, vaccines were no longer one of the accepted causes of infant death and the coroner would be forced to choose another cause of death. SIDS would be a likely alternative choice.

Incidence

Perinatal mortality ratios (PMRs) reported by individual countries for 1965 varied from 18.3 to 82.0 per 1000 live births. In developing countries, where 72% of the world's population live, the risk of death in the perinatal period is between 40 and 80 per 1000, a figure several times higher than that of developed countries. Sample surveys suggest that even higher PMRs may occur. The influence of poor diet, disease, and impoverished social environment may result in a higher mortality rate after the first week and especially between 1 and 4 years; thus, for 1000 live births, 300 children might die before the age of 5 years. On the other hand, a number of countries, mostly highly developed, reported PMRs of under 25, less than half those recorded 30 years ago. Nonetheless, in developed countries perinatal mortality is a more important problem than is mortality after the first week of life. Some European countries have mortality rates of less than 10 per 1000 live births for the period one week to one year of age. One of the targets of the 1974 World Population Plan of Action specified that "countries with the highest mortality levels should aim by 1985 to have an infant mortality rate of less than 120 per 1000 live births. Although infant mortality rates have dropped in virtually all regions of the developing world, this goal has not been met by the countries with the highest infant mortality levels. The gap between the average level of infant mortality between developed and developing countries is very wide – 17 infant deaths per 1000 live births in developed countries compared with 92 per 100O in the developing world.

A 1993 World Bank report showed 4 million stillbirths or late foetal deaths every year in developing countries.

Claim

Perinatal mortality is a critical public health issue that demands urgent attention. The loss of a baby during the perinatal period not only devastates families but also highlights systemic failures in maternal and neonatal care. Addressing this problem is essential for advancing healthcare equity, improving maternal health, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. We must prioritize research, resources, and policies to combat this tragedy and protect our most vulnerable lives.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Perinatal mortality, while tragic, is often overstated in its significance. With advancements in medical technology and prenatal care, the rates have steadily declined. Focusing excessively on this issue diverts attention and resources from more pressing health concerns that affect larger populations. Instead of fixating on perinatal outcomes, we should prioritize broader health initiatives that can improve overall community well-being. In the grand scheme, perinatal mortality is a minor issue that does not warrant the alarm it receives.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Narrower

Still-birth
Presentable
Umbilical hernia
Yet to rate

Aggravated by

Syphilis
Excellent
Obesity
Excellent
Influenza
Excellent
Diabetes
Excellent
Viral diseases
Presentable
Toxoplasmosis
Presentable
Tetanus
Presentable
Rheumatic fever
Presentable
Malnutrition
Presentable
Listeriosis
Presentable
Hypertension
Presentable
Birth injuries
Presentable
Asphyxia
Presentable
Rubella
Unpresentable
Pregnancy disorders
Unpresentable
Head injuries
Unpresentable
Foetal infection
Unpresentable
Placenta praevia
Yet to rate
Embryopathia
Yet to rate

Reduced by

Related

Strategy

Value

Mortality
Yet to rate
Morbidity
Yet to rate
Immortality
Yet to rate

Reference

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Life » Death
  • Medicine » Reproductive system » Reproductive system
  • Sociology » Demography
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D2387
    DOCID
    11423870
    D7NID
    140664
    Last update
    Jun 15, 2022