Perinatal mortality attributable to complications of childbirth in Matlab, Bangladesh

Abstract

Very few population-based studies of perinatal mortality in developing countries have examined the role of intrapartum risk factors. In the present study, the proportion of perinatal deaths that are attributable to compications during childbirth in Matlab, Bangladesh, was assessed using community-based data from a home-based programme led by professional midwives between 1987 and 1993. Compications during labour and delivery - such as prolonged or obstructed labour, abnormal foetal position, and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy - increased the risk of periinatal mortality fivefold and accounted for 30% of perinatal deaths. Premature labour, which occurred in 20% of pregnancies, accounted for 27% of perinatal mortality. Better care by qualified staff during delivery and improved care of newborns should substantially reduce perinatal mortality in this study population.

Citation

Kusiako, T.; Ronsmans, C.; Van der Paal, L. Perinatal mortality attributable to complications of childbirth in Matlab, Bangladesh. Bulletin of the World Health Organization (2000) 78 (5) 621-627.

Perinatal mortality attributable to complications of childbirth in Matlab, Bangladesh

Published 1 January 2000