Rise in number of stillbirths prompts inquiry

The Daily Telegraph of 20/08/04 reports on the increasing number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. According to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, the total has risen in England and Wales for the second consecutive year: there were 3,585 stillbirths in 2003 - up 213 on 2002 - and 1,734 deaths at ages less than seven days - up 114. The DH and NICE are to hold an investigation into possible causes. Factors suggested include a trend in older mothers; whether more women are arriving later at hospital once they go into labour; infection rates among newborns; the national shortage of midwives; and the type of midwifery care women receive. It is known that risk factors include single parenthood and previous caesarean births.