Abstract

PIP: Of 4443 consecutive births over a 1-year period, the perinatal mortality rate was 105.78/1000, the stillbirth rate was 63.47/1000, and the early neonatal death rate was 42.31/1000 livebirths. Perinatal loss was 10 times higher among low birth weight babies (2500 g), 8 times higher in preterm babies (37 weeks gestation), 4 times higher in mothers with poor antenatal care, and 9 1/2 times higher among rural people. Multiparae and primiparae, mothers under age 20 and above age 30, those with abnormal presentations of fetus, and obstetrical interference during delivery were the main factors associated with higher perinatal mortality rates. Asphyxia neonatorum was directly or indirectly responsible for 58.9% of the perinatal deaths. Suggestions are made to reduce the perinatal morality rate.