The perinatal mortality rate is one of the most sensitive indicators of quality of obstetric and newborn care. Its correct definition is:

• A Stillbirths after 28 weeks of gestation per 1000 live births
• B Neonatal deaths within the first week of life per 1000 live births
• C All deaths from 28 weeks of gestation to 28 days of life, per 1000 live births
• D Stillbirths after 28 weeks of gestation plus neonatal deaths within 7 days of birth, per 1000 total births ✓

Explanation

Perinatal mortality rate combines late fetal deaths (28 weeks onwards) with early neonatal deaths (first 7 days) because both reflect the shared risks of labour, delivery and immediate newborn care. The denominator is total births (live births plus stillbirths), not live births alone, since stillbirths are part of the numerator. Option A omits early neonatal deaths, option B is the early neonatal death rate, and option C wrongly extends to 28 days and uses the wrong denominator.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.