The world is failing to tackle stillbirth as effectively as it could, experts say today.
Some 2.6 million babies fail to survive after 28 weeks of gestation – and half of these die during labour, according to reports in The Lancet.
The report shows that globally the number of stillbirths has fallen by 2% a year since the turn of the century.
Although this is an improvement, it is not as great an improvement as has been achieved in tackling maternal and neonatal deaths, which have reduced at a rate of 3% a year, the researchers say.
They say that 98% of stillbirths take place in low and middle income countries.
Just 7.4% of stillbirths are linked to congenital abnormalities while infections, nutrition, lifestyle and non-communicable diseases all play a part.
The report highlights sub-Saharan Africa as making poor progress in reducing stillbirth rates.
It shows big variations in rates among high income countries.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the findings as a “wake-up call.”
President Dr David Richmond said: “In low and middle income countries, most stillbirths could be prevented with straightforward improvements to antenatal care and the care of women and their babies during childbirth, and we support the call for recommendations on preventing stillbirths to be included in every country’s Newborn Action Plan.
“In the UK, there is still much to be done to ensure our rate of progress is as good as the best in Europe. As leaders of the profession, we are committed to understanding more about stillbirths, improving multi-disciplinary training packages and promoting more effective team working to help doctors and midwives pick up potential complications and reduce the number of babies who are stillborn.
“We have also identified that local reviews following stillbirth remain an area in need of clear improvement.”
He added: “The series highlights that much is still unknown about the causes of stillbirth and it will be the role of the RCOG to translate any new research or emerging evidence into changes to practice in the UK.”
Lancet 19 January 2016 [abstract]
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