‘Stillbirth rate continues to decline’

By Rob Dabrowski on 15 June 2018 Stillbirth Report RCM Midwives MBRRACE Multiple Birth Neonatal Death

The stillbirth rate associated with twin pregnancy in the UK has reduced by around 44% over the period 2014 to 2016. 

Rates of neonatal mortality associated with twin pregnancy have also reduced by a third.

The new figures come from the Perinatal Mortality Surveillance Report for Births in 2016, which is published today (15 June) by MBRRACE. 
 
According to the report, although the stillbirth and neonatal deaths rates overall are reducing over time, the reduction in these rates between 2013 and 2016 is only around 6.5%.

Variations in rates between trusts and health boards remain, although the variation in the stillbirth rates between those delivering similar levels of care is now less marked than in the past.

Mandy Forrester, RCM head of quality and standards, said: ‘The RCM’s quality and standards team have reviewed the data contained in this report and we are pleased to see a downward trend in the number of stillbirths and neonatal mortality rates since 2013.'  

‘However, there is much to take away from the findings of this report that will go towards not only helping midwives, but the entire maternity team, improve how they deliver the safest possible care for women and their babies.’
 
‘There is still a need to reduce the neonatal death rate which has not fallen as much as the stillbirth rate and it is vital maternity services put even greater efforts into reducing both.’

She added: ‘It is imperative that we learn from each of these tragic deaths. Maternity services must strive to learn from each other about the best ways to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths and improving data collection and sharing safety strategies is key to this.’

For more information and to read the report, click here.