Examining fetal mortality — and who it impacts most

TOLEDO, Ohio — Fetal mortality and infant mortality. They’re separate things. One involves the death of a fetus (unborn), and the other, the death of an infant (less than a year old), respectively. In general, the focus tends to be on infant deaths, but according to a 2019 report from the Ohio Department of Health, fetal and infant deaths are a near even split. And in both cases, certain groups are disproportionately impacted.

The report found that for every 5.3 fetal deaths for non-hispanic white women in the state, there were 10 deaths for non-hispanic Black women. Of course, any fetal death is a tragedy — but why are the stats almost double for Black women? And what can and is being done?

Well, to answer that first question, the report finds smoking prior to and during pregnancy, and conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, as well as diabetes substantially increase the likelihood of fetal death. Educational level was also found to play a role, too, as women with only or without a high school degree are also more likely to experience fetal death. Women younger than 20, ages 35 to 39, and older than 40 are also more likely than other age brackets to experience this.

All of that being said, what is being done to prevent more of these deaths?

Well, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — also known as the “WIC” program — is a big part of the effort. The report found women who were a part of this program, which provides nutrition and breastfeeding education and support, were 30% less likely to experience fetal mortality.

In addition to that, in May of 2018, the Ohio Department of Health initiated a partnership with Count the Kicks, a campaign that encourages the tracking of a baby’s fetal movements during the third trimester of pregnancy. That’s because if any changes are observed, it can alert the expectant that something may be wrong, so they can seek the help of a professional.

Just a couple of the many efforts to reduce fetal mortality, especially when many of these deaths are preventable.