Neonatal mortality is the term used to describe newborn deaths that occur during the first 28 days of life. There are several causes for this. Neonatal mortality has, however, been seen to be increasing over the last several years. The risk of newborn death has been rising, whether as a result of birth problems, an infection, or a lack of infrastructure for a safe delivery. In response to this, Dr. Manish Jajodia, Group Medical Director, RED.Health stated in an interview with HT Lifestyle that the leading causes of neonatal mortality over the previous five years were complications related to preterm birth, intrapartum-related complications, also known as birth asphyxia, sepsis and meningitis, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal tetanus caused by the use of non-sterile instruments to cut the umbilical cord or when contaminated
Dr. Pawan Jain, HOD Pediatrics, CARE Hospital Raipur, listed the main reasons of infant death and added:
difficulties associated with preterm birth: Children who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are more likely to have health issues that result in early mortality.
The principal illnesses that increase the risk of infant death are sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and neonatal tetanus.
Birth asphyxia: A lack of oxygen during childbirth may cause brain damage and even death for the unborn child.
Birth problems: Some birth disorders, including neural tube defects or heart defects, may be fatal to neonates.
Causes related to infrastructure: Lack of properly maintained neonatal ambulances, paramedics with neonatal training, and medical help during logistics result in fatalities.
Neonatal mortality may be addressed, said Dr. Pawan Jain, with more knowledge and distribution of the appropriate I formation. Here are some of the methods the expert suggests:
Information: Disseminating knowledge about prenatal care, pregnancy hazard signals, and the value of expert delivery attendance.
Encourage early and exclusive breastfeeding as well as appropriate infant care practices.
Promoting sanitary behaviors to lower the risk of illnesses is maintaining hygiene.
Strengthening community-based health initiatives, such as the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), to guarantee babies' timely access to care.
