Objective: In India, despite a reduction in perinatal mortality rate from 2014 to 2019,
still birth rate is still the same at the national average of 4/1000 live
births. As yet there is no nation-wide audit in India except for
facility based audits. Hence the need for a simplified yet effective audit
process exists. The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative perinatal
audit and devise methods for future audits. Methods: We conducted a one year audit for all perinatal deaths using WHO ICD PM and
3-delay classification. Gestational age (GA) specific mortality was calculated for
significant underlying factors using fetuses-at risk approach. Results: We recorded a perinatal mortality rate of 6.1/1000 births among booked cases and
21.32/1000 births among referred cases. Fetal growth restriction was the most
common antenatal condition, accounting to 33.3% of antepartum deaths.
Prematurity accounted to 52% of neonatal deaths. Phase 2 delay with delayed referrals in severe pre-eclampsia and Phase 1 delay
with late visit (
