Perinatal mortalities refer to the deaths of newborns within the first week of life. The word is pronounced /ˌperɪˈneɪt(ə)l mɔːˈtælɪtiz/ , with stress on the second syllable of "perinatal" and the first syllable of "mortalities." The word "perinatal" is derived from the Greek words "peri" (meaning "around") and "natal" (meaning "birth"). "Mortalities" is the plural form of "mortality," which means "the condition of being mortal or subject to death." Perinatal mortalities are a tragic reality, affecting millions of families around the world each year.
Perinatal mortalities refer to deaths that occur during the period surrounding childbirth, including both the time during pregnancy (antenatal) and after delivery until the first week of life (postnatal). This term encompasses the death of a fetus, stillbirth, as well as the death of a newborn infant.
Perinatal mortality is typically measured as the rate of deaths per 1,000 births. It is an essential indicator of the overall health and well-being of pregnant women and newborns, reflecting the quality of healthcare services provided during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period.
Causes of perinatal mortality can vary, including complications during pregnancy, genetic abnormalities, congenital malformations, inadequate prenatal care, maternal diseases, infections, birth injuries, premature birth, and other medical emergencies. Socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare services also play a significant role in influencing the perinatal mortality rate.
Efforts to reduce perinatal mortalities include providing comprehensive and accessible prenatal care, enhancing maternal and neonatal healthcare services, promoting awareness about maternal health and safe childbirth practices, encouraging healthy lifestyles during pregnancy, and educating healthcare providers on evidence-based interventions and best practices in perinatal care.
Monitoring and analyzing perinatal mortality rates are essential for identifying areas for improvement in healthcare systems, implementing effective interventions, and evaluating the impact of policies and initiatives aiming to reduce perinatal mortality and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The word "perinatal" is derived from the Greek prefix "peri-" meaning "around" or "about", and the Latin word "natalis" meaning "birth". Therefore, "perinatal" refers to the period surrounding childbirth, encompassing the time from late pregnancy to immediately after birth.
The term "mortalities" is the plural form of "mortality", derived from the Latin word "mortalitas" meaning "state or condition of being mortal", or "death". It refers to the number of deaths that occur within a specific population or time frame.
When combined, "perinatal mortalities" refers to the deaths or fatalities of babies that occur during the perinatal period. It is a term used in medical and public health contexts to describe the number or rate of deaths that occur during or shortly after birth.