Timing of perinatal death

In 2015 and 2016:

  • The majority (82.2%) of stillbirths occurred before the onset of labour (antepartum death).
  • Two-thirds of neonatal deaths occurred within the first 24 hours following birth and were more common with decreasing gestational age.
  • Late neonatal deaths (8–28 days) were more common among babies born from 36 weeks gestation.

Definitions of timing of perinatal death can be found in the Technical notes—Definitions used in reporting.

Intrapartum stillbirth (those occurring during labour and birth) and neonatal death within the first 24 hours after birth are often considered together as, in many cases, the process leading to the death is a continuum that may lead to death before or after the birth occurs.

Data visualisation of timing of perinatal deaths, 2015 and 2016.

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