Causes of Perinatal Deaths in Australia: Slow Progress in the Preterm Period

Abstract

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022;62:511–517) The rate of stillbirth in Australia decreased from 25% to 15% over the last 20 years. Ninety percent of Australian stillbirths are born before 28 gestational weeks (EGA), and the number of deaths following preterm birth in Australia has remained stable. Despite perinatal and neonatal death being relatively similar, many studies attempt to ignore their similarities and focus on one of them. This study researched the impact of EGA on preterm stillbirth and neonatal death to identify where future research should focus.