Introduction:
Perinatal mortality rate measures the ratio of the number of late- fetal
deaths (at or after 28 weeks gestation) and deaths within the first 7
days after birth per 1,000 live births. Perinatal period accounts for
just 0.5% of the average life span, but deaths in this period are more
than that in the next 30-40years.[1] With the
reduction of national IMR below 50, Perinatal Mortality Rate is being
considered as an important epidemiological indicator of Maternal and
Child Health care of the country because of its sensitivity for both
maternal and new-born care.[2] Deaths during this
period can result because of inadequate care of both mother and
new-born. While the causal relationship between perinatal mortality and
level of socioeconomic development and environmental conditions is not
perfect, the perinatal mortality rate is commonly used as a general
indicator of socioeconomic well-being and of general medical and public
health conditions in a country.[3]PMR is included
as one of the components of “standard of living” evaluations of
countries. Child Mortality is an important MDG since it affects the
improvement in the living standards of a country. Reducing the perinatal
mortality rate worldwide and particularly in the developing nations has
been a key globe issue. Almost all countries showed significant
improvement in tackling child mortality.[4]
Hence, a study was instituted within the premise of the Labour ward and
Neonatal ICU of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal to analyse the causative
factors and trends associated with perinatal deaths with an objective to
devise methods to be able to improve standards of healthcare within.