Baby Charities Express 'Extreme Concern' Over Increased Infant Death Rates In England And Wales | HuffPost Life

'We need to see real action without delay.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

Baby charities have spoken of their “extreme concern” that the number of babies who died within their first 28 days of life has increased year on year in England and Wales. The rate rose from 2.6 neonatal (newborn) deaths per 1,000 births in 2015 to 2.7 for every 1,000 births in 2016, the Office for National Statistics revealed.

The infant mortality rate - deaths within the first year of a child’s life - also rose, from 3.7 to 3.8 per 1,000 live births from 2015 to 2016. This is the second year in a row the statistic has increased. “These increases can be attributed to many risk factors, such as the mother’s country of birth, mother’s age at birth of child, birthweight and the parents’ socioeconomic status,” an ONS spokesperson said.

Bliss and Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) are now calling for NHS England’s Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Programme Review to be given urgent attention. “It is deeply concerning to see a rise in infant mortality rates for the second year running,” said Caroline Lee-Davey, chief executive of Bliss. “Research has highlighted there are significant variations in mortality rates across the country, meaning there is much more to do to ensure that all health services are giving vulnerable babies the best chance of survival.”

ONS

The infant mortality rate had been following a downward trend since the 1990s, until 2015 when the rate began to increase. However, taking a longer look at the statistics reveals that over the past 30 years, the rate of decline of infant mortality has varied, with the decrease between 1996 and 2006 being half as much as was recorded between 1986 and 1996. In contrast, the decrease in the past 10 years was greater than that of the decade before.

Davey said it is “now more important than ever” that NHS England publishes its Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Programme Review to ensure neonatal services are properly resourced in the future to improve outcomes for premature and sick babies. She said this is particularly urgent in light of the Secretary of State’s ambition to halve rates of neonatal death by 2025.

The ONS also released statistics on twin deaths in multiple birth babies for 2015 – which found twins, triplets and more, accounted for 14.4% of all neonatal deaths compared to 13.9% in 2014. This comes despite the fact multiple births only account for 3.2% of births.

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Tamba CEO Keith Reed said families of multiples are continuing to get a raw deal. “Today’s figures make for disturbing reading,” he said. “Combine this data with the delay in the Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Programme Review, which was due to be published in September 2017, and the situation is of extreme concern.

“There are many positive changes being made in maternity care across the country, which could be undermined by delays in identifying and introducing improvements in neonatal care.”

Reed said the charity has already shared evidence that suggests specific care pathways for multiple births need to be reviewed, “This rise in neonatal deaths among those with twins just underlines this point and we need to see real action without delay.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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