Perinatal death
Perinatal Death
Perinatal death (/pɛrɪˈneɪtəl dɛθ/) refers to the death of a fetus or neonate during the perinatal period. The term is derived from the Greek words 'peri-' meaning around or about, and 'natal' meaning birth (etymology). It is a significant indicator of maternal and infant health and is used globally to assess the quality of healthcare systems.
Definition
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines perinatal death as the death of a fetus or neonate during the perinatal period, which begins at 22 completed weeks (154 days) of gestation and ends seven completed days after birth. This includes both stillbirths (fetal deaths) and neonatal deaths (deaths in the first week of life).
Causes
Perinatal death can be caused by a variety of factors, including premature birth, birth defects, complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and infections such as Group B Streptococcus or malaria. Other risk factors include maternal age, multiple births, and maternal health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention strategies for perinatal death include improving access to quality prenatal care, managing maternal health conditions, promoting healthy behaviors during pregnancy, and improving care during labor and delivery. Treatment options depend on the cause and may include medical interventions, surgery, or supportive care.
Related Terms
- Stillbirth: The death of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Neonatal death: The death of a newborn within the first 28 days of life.
- Infant mortality: The death of an infant before his or her first birthday.
- Maternal mortality: The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Perinatal death
- Wikipedia's article - Perinatal death
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