Behind the Numbers of Mexico's Fetal and Neonatal Deaths

Fetal and neonatal deaths, though statistically categorized, represent profound human tragedies. These events, occurring around every 16 seconds globally and affecting 25,041 women in Mexico in 2022 alone, paint a stark picture of healthcare inequalities and inadequate support systems for mothers and newborns.

As Ana Karen Arias Cruz, a UNAM academic and perinatal nursing specialist, emphasizes, these losses reflect not just biological failures, but a systemic breakdown. They expose societal neglect and the lack of comprehensive care for women throughout their reproductive journey.

The taboo surrounding these deaths adds to the emotional burden, fueling depression and stigmatization for grieving families. This silence must be broken. Public awareness and open conversations are crucial to dismantling the stigma and driving change.

Preconception care, a vital step often overlooked, holds immense potential. By identifying and managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension, we can mitigate risks and create a healthier foundation for pregnancy.

The WHO's revised definition of fetal death expands the scope of attention, ensuring no loss goes unnoticed and uncounted. This clarity is essential for accurate data and effective interventions.

Neonatal deaths, occurring within the first 28 days of life, primarily stem from prematurity, a preventable consequence of inadequate prenatal care. The WHO's focus on the first week, with its emphasis on maternal training, breastfeeding promotion, and early detection of abnormalities, offers a promising roadmap for saving lives.

Pregnant women face a multitude of threats, from maternal health issues like obesity and stress to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. While some conditions are unavoidable, timely access to quality healthcare can make a world of difference.

Before conception, assessing both parents' health and identifying risk factors becomes critical. A proactive approach, addressing health concerns and establishing an ideal pregnancy timeframe, empowers couples and lays the groundwork for a successful pregnancy.

The disparity in prenatal care across socioeconomic strata is unacceptable. The WHO recommends four consultations, while Mexico's official standard mandates five. However, in reality, access varies wildly, leaving many with inadequate support. It's imperative to bridge this gap and ensure equitable healthcare for all mothers.

Teenage pregnancy and advanced maternal age pose additional challenges. Young bodies often struggle with the demands of pregnancy, while older mothers face greater risks associated with assisted reproductive technologies. Comprehensive counseling, and tailored care are essential for both groups.

The data provided, with 195 fetal deaths recorded in girls under 15 and a peak occurring among women aged 20-24, underscores the need for targeted interventions across the age spectrum.

According to INEGI, in 2022, 195 fetal deaths in children under 15 years of age were recorded in the country; three thousand 471 among those between 15 and 19 years old and six thousand 70 among those between 20 and 24 years old. This last group was the one that concentrated the highest number of pregnancies with some complication that ended with the death of the product, with 24.2 percent of these. Subsequently, those between 25 and 29 years old with 23.3 percent, and those from 30 to 34, with 20.0 percent.

Ultimately, preventing these silent tragedies requires a multi-pronged approach. From raising awareness and dismantling stigma to advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare, from encouraging preconception care to promoting breastfeeding and early intervention, every step matters.

Let us shed light on these critical issues, empower expectant mothers, and invest in robust healthcare systems. Only then can we hope to silence these tragic losses and nurture a future where every mother and child thrives.