MIDWIFERY/MATERNITY

Perinatal Mortality Surveillance Report 2007 (June 2009)
This latest report from the Confidential Enquirty into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) show improvements in the stillbirth and neonatal death rates in the UK. The main findings are:

• For the first time since 2000, a significant fall in the stillbirth rate from 5.7 per births in 2002 – 2004 to 5.2 per 1, 000 births in 2007.
• The lowest neonatal death rate since 2000 (3.3 per 1, 000 live births).
• Similar improvements in the stillbirth and neonatal death rates among twins.
• A higher proportion of post mortem examinations being offered for stillbirths neonatal deaths compared to previous years, although this has been offset by higher proportion of parents/guardians refusing to have an examination. Information obtained from a post mortem examination can contribute to understanding the possible cause of a perinatal death which may help to inform future care.

Report