Tragic Surge: Fetal and Neonatal Deaths Nearly Double in Lisbon Region in 2023

Alarming Increase in Mortality Rates

In 2023, the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (LVT) region witnessed a staggering rise in the number of deaths among fetuses and newborns under 28 days, with 238 cases reported compared to just 132 in 2022. This marks an almost twofold increase in mortality rates.

According to a report from Público, which cites the latest monitoring by the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS), these deaths represented 0.66% of total births in the region for 2023, a sharp rise from 0.38% the previous year.

Context Matters

Experts emphasize the importance of understanding these figures in context. Nuno Clode, president of the Portuguese Society of Obstetrics and Materno-Fetal Medicine, cautions against conflating fetal and neonatal deaths. He notes that while fetal deaths could indicate issues in care or complications during pregnancy, neonatal deaths may result from factors like prematurity, malformations, or illnesses.

Clode describes the combined data as “disparate,” suggesting that the increase might not carry significant implications.

Socio-Demographic Factors

Alberto Caldas Afonso, president of the Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Commission, calls for a nuanced interpretation of the data. He points to factors such as the rising number of foreign women giving birth in Portugal, who may receive less healthcare support, and the trend of later pregnancies, which inherently carry more risks.

Moreover, the ERS report highlights a disproportionately higher rate of cesarean sections in the private sector compared to public healthcare, with private cesarean rates being more than double those in the public sector.

These findings coincide with the Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Commission's presentation of conclusions regarding health sector issues and proposals for reorganizing obstetric and pediatric emergency services.