Perinatal mortality- causes & risks

Gaining an accurate estimate of the incidence of perinatal mortality relies on precise recording and completion of data by healthcare professionals. Only then can research be directed towards the ever important goal of lowering the numbers.

The perinatal mortality rate is a good indication of how a country is caring for its maternal and infant population. Funding, planning and improved healthcare for mothers and their babies is never wasted. It can provide a very small level of comfort to parents to know that through sharing their experiences, the risks are reduced for future generations of families who may be affected by perinatal mortality.

Causes of perinatal mortality

The major cause of perinatal mortality rate comes from babies who are stillborn at birth. This can be in association with prematurity, which accounts for nearly 30% of the numbers of neonatal deaths. Birth defects and respiratory distress syndrome due to prematurity also contribute to the figures.

Death of a baby can occur when it is still within the womb and before labour has started. It can also happen during labour or shortly after birth. Sometimes, it is not possible to identify exactly when a baby’s death has occurred.

Stillbirth – what is it?

Stillbirth is what occurs when a baby dies while they are still in the womb. When a pregnancy has reached 20 weeks of gestation, then stillbirth, rather than miscarriage, becomes the correct terminology.

When a baby has passed 20 weeks of gestation and dies, their death must be registered and a burial or cremation performed.

Risk factors for perinatal mortality

When a mother is overweight or obese (having a Body Mass Index or BMI measuring over 25 increases the risk)
Being older than 35 years
Pregnancy and reproductive history that includes previous foetal mortality
Baby who is small for its gestational age
Mothers who drink excessive quantities of caffeine
Multiple births
Sub-optimal or non-existent obstetric care
Low socio-economic status
Being of indigenous or ethnic descent
Smoking during pregnancy
Substance abuse
Domestic violence within relationships and in households, particularly physical violence
Complications during pregnancy or high risk pregnancies, for example with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia and placental abruption

Causes for perinatal mortality

Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
Structural abnormality of the baby’s heart or vital organs
Foetal distress or asphyxia (interruption to the baby’s blood flow and oxygen) during labour
Premature labour or premature rupture of the membranes
Maternal or foetal infection
Cholestasis (liver complication)
Rhesus Disease
Antepartum haemorrhage
Intra-Uterine growth restriction
Problems with the placenta resulting in inadequate oxygen and/or nutrients flowing to the baby
Problems with the cervix e.g. premature dilatation
Mercury toxicity – most commonly occurring as a result of ingestion of fish with excessively high levels of mercury
Maternal trauma such as car accidents (Note: Seatbelts are still considered to be safe and a primary safety measure for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby)
Unexplained causes

What can I do to prevent It?

It is a fact that having good quality, regular antenatal care is the first step towards having a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy, live baby. However, this is not a guarantee.

Avoiding risky behaviour such as smoking, drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs, and aiming to stay well, all help to support a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy, live baby at term.

If you fit into the category of having a high-risk pregnancy or have experienced repeated miscarriages or stillbirths, then you will meet the criteria for specialist obstetric management. Many large maternity hospitals have teams of medical staff who specialise in complicated pregnancies.

How will I know if my baby’s not okay?

A change, decrease or lack of foetal movements is one of the earliest signs of problems. Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, an impending feeling of doom or just a vague feeling that something is not right with the baby can all provide an indication of problems.

Ultimately, a diagnosis of foetal death is confirmed via ultrasound when there is an absence of a foetal heartbeat. The sonographer may request a second opinion from a colleague to ensure that their diagnosis is accurate.

What happens next?

The tragic loss of a baby leads to many physical and emotional changes. After a baby dies in the womb, labour will often commence spontaneously. The womb will start contracting and/or the membranes will rupture. Some women prefer to have their labour medically initiated as soon as they are told their baby has died. They feel they want to have the pregnancy over and done with as soon as possible and will request a caesarean section delivery.

Though understandable, this is not ideal. There is an increased likelihood of complications during and after caesareans and a much longer recovery period. This can also influence future labours and deliveries, potentially increasing the risks of complications in the future.

Some mothers feel they want to savour the remaining days of their pregnancy and have the opportunity to grieve for their baby whilst it is still a physical part of them. For this reason they decline offers of induction and aim to spend some time alone or with their family. Every woman is unique and there is not one right way to respond to the devastating news of their baby’s death.

Problems can arise though if delivery has not occurred within a week or so after the baby has died. There is a risk to the mother of contracting a blood clotting problem which could compromise her own health. For this reason, if labour has not spontaneously begun within a week, then an induction is recommended.

What about kick charts?

There is currently some disagreement regarding the value of mothers writing up kick charts to record their baby’s movements. Some experts report they lead to an unnecessary degree of anxiety and don’t allow for the normal peaks and flows of foetal movement and then relaxation. Others claim they are helpful and can alert a mother to potential problems.

For clarification on what is right for you, speak with your own healthcare provider.

Where can I go for help?