Abstract
There has been no significant decrease in all-cause perinatal mortality over the years of 2006-2021 according to the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee’s Annual
Report. Inequities continue in perinatal and maternal outcomes relating to demographic and socioeconomic factors, including ethnicity and poverty. Māori, Pacific peoples and
Indian populations, those younger than 20 years, and those living in areas of higher deprivation, have worse perinatal outcomes. The report has also found:
A significant decrease in stillbirths, mainly between 2007-2012 with little change in the last 10 years.
A greater likelihood of a pregnancy ending in perinatal death where Covid-19 infection occurred during pregnancy.
A decrease in maternal mortality rates (MMR), although with the continued disproportionate burden of maternal mortality for wāhine Māori, Pacific pregnant women and people and those living in higher deprivation.
Some evidence of a small increase in neonatal encephalopathy, although it is not possible to determine causation.