PERINATAL MORTALITY
DEFINATION: The number of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths (within 7 days of age) per
1000 total births (both live and still births).
Perinatal period commences at 22 completed weeks (154 days) of gestation and ends at seven
completed days after birth.
Critical interventions to reduce Perinatal Mortality:
In Summary:
1. Quality Antenatal Care
2. Intrapartum (Care at time of birth)
3. Essential New-born Care
4. Early Quality Postnatal Care
1.Quality ANC
Focused ANC-at least 4 visits
Close Monitoring of at-risk pregnancies
Manage PROM
Immunization against tetanus
Syphilis screening and case management
Detecting and treating STIs
Detecting and treating symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria
Preventing and treating anaemia with iron
Preventing and treating eclampsia and preeclampsia
Detecting, preventing and treating Rh Isoimmunization
Detecting and preventing exposure to alcohol and drugs
Corticosteroids for lung maturation
2.Intrapartum-Care at Time of Birth.
A. Delivery by skilled birth attendant
ensure that all deliveries are conducted hygienically and according to accepted medical
practices
Identify complications promptly and management appropriately either by treating or
referring to a higher level of care
B. Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care
Basic
Administer parenteral Antibiotics
Administer Uterotonic drugs eg Oxytocin, Misoprostol
Administer Parenteral anticonvulsants eg Magnesium Sulphate
Perform Manual removal of placenta
Perform removal of retained products
Perform assisted Vaginal delivery
Perform neonatal resuscitation
Comprehensive
Above +
Perform Surgery eg C Section
Perform blood transfusion
3.Essential Newborn Care
To prevent hypothermia –immediate drying, head covering, skin to skin care
Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding-within the first hour
New-born Resuscitation
To prevent disease-hygiene, eye care tetracycline ointment, Vit K,
4.Early Quality Postnatal Care
Management of neonatal sepsis
Management/addressing neonatal jaundice
Preventing brain damage after birth related oxygen deprivation
Care for Small babies
Kangaroo Mother Care