How is the fetal death rate calculated?

The fetal death rate is calculated as the number of fetal deaths after a specified gestational age, typically 20 weeks, relative to the total number of live births plus the number of fetal deaths. This approach provides a more accurate representation of fetal mortality in relation to the total number of pregnancies that reached viability, thereby offering insights into reproductive health outcomes.

By multiplying the number of fetal deaths by 100 and dividing this by the sum of live births and fetal deaths, you obtain a rate that reflects fetal mortality per total births (both live and still). This methodology accounts for the totality of fetal outcomes, providing a clearer picture of the health landscape concerning fetal viability and loss.

In contrast, other calculations do not accurately capture the relationship between fetal deaths and births or may include inapplicable gestational ages. For example, considering fetal deaths from any gestation without clarifying the boundary at 20 weeks would skew the interpretation, as it could include early losses that are not typically classified as fetal deaths.