Latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data finds stillbirths at record high, birth rate declining

Stillbirths have reached a 20-year high with one baby stillborn every 3.5 hours in Australia, according to the latest figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Preliminary perinatal death data revealed there were 11 deaths per 1000 births in 2023, four in five of which were stillbirths and the remainder neonatal deaths. The stillbirth rate, 8.7 per 1000 births, was the highest reported in more than two decades, according to the AIHW’s latest update on the health of mothers and babies. The AIHW said it was in line with an upward trend seen in recent years, with several factors likely at play. Further research is ongoing nationwide to better understand the trend. Some contributing elements could include a “true rise” in the number of stillbirths, better data quality on perinatal deaths, and an increase in the number of terminations after 20 weeks. “It is important to note that some pregnancies that ended by termination after 20 weeks’ gestation would have resulted in a perinatal death had the pregnancy continued without medical intervention,” the latest research said. The dataset also showed Australia’s birth rate is continuing to decline at 52 per 1000 women, down from its peak in 2007 at 66 per 1000. It was similar in WA with a birth rate of 52 per 1000 in 2023, compared to a 2007 peak at 67 per 1000 women. AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said women are also choosing to have babies later in life, with more than a third of mums aged between 30 and 34. “Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 28 per cent in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18 per cent to 11 per cent,” Ms Catanzariti said. More mothers are accessing antenatal care — planned healthcare visits to a midwife or doctor during pregnancy — across the country with 79 per cent visiting a healthcare worker in their first trimester. It’s a near-20 per cent increase in just one decade, Ms Catanzariti said. Newborn outcomes were mostly positive, with fewer than one in 10 babies born preterm (fewer than 37 weeks). More than two in three preterm babies were of low birthweight, defined as weighing fewer than 2500 grams. And it was WA’s Gascoyne region that had the highest proportion of babies with a low birthweight nationwide at 15.6 per cent. “The data we collect and publish . . . give us insights on the birth outcomes for mothers and babies, including how factors like maternal age, method of birth, and birthweight have changed over time,” Ms Catanzariti said. “Behind the data are real experiences, including those of families who may face complex or distressing outcomes. These experiences are deeply personal and often carry lasting impacts.” Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line 1300 308 307 or visit rednosegriefandloss.org.au