Factors Associated with Perinatal Mortality: A Descriptive Observational Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out various causes of perinatal mortality and the factors associated with perinatal death.Methods: A descriptive observational study done in a teaching hospital (Referral hospital at district) attached to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum. All perinatal deaths during the period between December 2007 to May 2009 were included in the study.Results: There were 3904 deliveries and 193 perinatal deaths during the study period. Perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) was 49.4/1000 births. The stillbirth rate was 43/1000 births. Antepartum hemorrhage and severe pre-eclampsia were the common causes of perinatal deaths.Conclusion: Antepartum hemorrhage and pregnancy induced hypertension are leading causes of perinatal deaths. Majority of these complications occur in the later part of pregnancy increased vigilance during antenatal care can reduce these deaths.