Prevalence and Factors Influencing Perinatal Mortality in Rural Mysore, India

IntrOductIOn Actual perinatal period commences from 22 weeks of gestation period i.e., 154 days to seven days of life. At this time, foetus approximately weighs 500 gms. However as standard perinatal statistics include births weighing 1000 gms in both numerator and denominator, which is achieved at 28 weeks of gestation. Hence, for international comparision, it is defined as, “Period between 28 weeks of gestation and seven days after life”. Crown to heel length is also ascertained if gestational age and birth weight are unavailable. Body length of 35 cm corresponds to this age and weight, (International Classification of Diseases-10) [1,2]. 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 [3]. 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 newborn care. Moreover, it avoids the confusion between late foetal deaths, still births and deaths within hours after birth. Deaths during this period can result because of inadequate care of both maternal and newborn care.