Fetal and Perinatal Mortality: United States, 2013

Abstract

Objectives: This report presents 2013 fetal and perinatal mortality data by maternal age, marital status, race, Hispanic origin, and state of residence, as well as by fetal birthweight, gestational age, plurality, and sex. Trends in fetal and perinatal mortality are also examined.

Methods: Descriptive tabulations of data are presented and interpreted.

Results: A total of 23,595 fetal deaths at 20 weeks of gestation or more were reported in the United States in 2013. The U.S. fetal mortality rate was 5.96 fetal deaths at 20 weeks of gestation or more per 1,000 live births and fetal deaths, not significantly different from the rate of 6.05 in 2012. The lack of decline in fetal mortality in recent years, coupled with declines in infant mortality, meant that more fetal deaths than infant deaths occurred in the United States for 2011–2013 (although the rates were essentially the same). In 2013, the fetal mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women (10.53) was more than twice the rate for non-Hispanic white (4.88) and Asian or Pacific Islander (4.68) women. The rate for American Indian or Alaska Native women (6.22) was 27% higher, and the rate for Hispanic women (5.22) was 7% higher, than the rate for non-Hispanic white women. Fetal mortality rates were highest for teenagers, women aged 35 and over, unmarried women, and women with multiple pregnancies.