New figures released from the National Office of Statistics

There was welcome news from the National Office of Statistics yesterday that in 2017, the number of stillbirths in the UK has decreased to it’s lowest point ever since records began.

2,873 stillbirths were recorded in 2017, as opposed to 3,112 in 2016. 2017 did see an decrease in overall births, putting the figures to 4.2 stillbirths per 1,000 births against the 2016 rate of 4.4 stillbirths per 1,000 births.

Unfortunately neonatal mortality figures rose from 2.8 deaths per 1,000 births to 2.9. The National Office of Statistics say that “The increased neonatal rate is likely influenced by the increasing number of extremely pre-term births (below 23 weeks gestation) being recorded as live births in recent years.”
Overall there were 2,707 neonatal deaths in 2017.

Putting the figures together, we are still fighting for same number of 15 babies each and every day in the UK who are either stillborn or die shortly after birth.

You can find the report for stillbirths here:

And the report for neonatal deaths here:

Whilst we welcome the decrease in stillbirths, we know there is still so much more work to do to save future babies lives.

We know that our Wellbeing Wallets make a difference with hospitals using them reporting a decrease in stillbirths in their own Trusts and feedback from expectant mums.

Our mission is to be able to provide our Wellbeing Wallets for free to EVERY hospital in the UK.

Thank you so much for your continued support for our work towards putting a stop to preventable stillbirths.