Pronunciation: [nˌatɪmɔːtˈalɪti] (IPA) 
The word "natimortality" refers to the death of newborns or infants. It is spelled with a "na-" prefix followed by "ti" and "mortality". The /n/ sound is represented by the letters "n" and "t" is pronounced as a "t" sound. The "i" in "ti" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, which is indicated by the italicized letter "m". Overall, the word is pronounced as "ney-tuh-mor-tal-i-tee".
Natimortality refers to the tragic occurrence of a newborn child dying shortly after its birth or during the first few days of life. This term encompasses the concept of neonatal mortality, which specifically pertains to the death of an infant within the first 28 days of its life, including right after birth. Natimortality is derived from the Latin words "natus", meaning born, and "mors", meaning death, indicating the significance of this phenomenon centered around the plight of newborns.
This distressing issue is primarily associated with factors such as prematurity, congenital abnormalities, infections, and birth complications. Additionally, socioeconomic conditions, maternal health, prenatal care, and access to medical facilities play a crucial role in determining the chances of natimortality. Although advancements in medical technology have significantly improved childbirth and newborn care, natimortality remains a global concern, particularly in less-developed regions with limited healthcare resources and infrastructure.
Efforts aimed at reducing natimortality include initiatives to enhance healthcare systems, provide comprehensive prenatal care, implement essential newborn care practices, advocate for immunization programs, and improve access to skilled birth attendants. Moreover, addressing social inequalities, poverty, and education gaps are vital components in preventing natimortality and improving overall neonatal health outcomes.
Overall, natimortality underscores the tragic reality of infants dying shortly after birth, emphasizing the importance of global efforts to reduce neonatal mortality rates and ensure the well-being of newborns worldwide.
The still-birth rate; the proportion of still-births to the general natality.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
