No change in Scotland’s baby death rate

THE rate of stillbirths and babies dying in their first few days in Scotland has remained static.

Figures showed that in 2011 perinatal deaths – stillbirths and deaths in the first week of life – stood at 6.9 per 1,000 births, the same as in 2010.

Figures showed 32 per cent of stillbirths were among women in the most deprived fifth of the population, compared to 10.8 per cent in the least deprived group.

The statistics, published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, showed overall the rate of stillbirths increased to 5.1 per 1,000 births in 2011 from 4.9 in 2010. However, early neonatal deaths – deaths in the first week of life – fell from two per 1,000 to 1.9, meaning the perinatal rate remained at 6.9.