June 19, 2014
Maori babies in mortality risk
The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee says Maori and Pacific mothers are three times more likely to die while pregnant or up to six weeks after birth than non-Maori, non-Pacific mothers.
The committee reviews maternal deaths and all deaths of babies from 20 weeks gestation up to 28 days after birth.
In its annual report to parliament, it says it has found further evidence of the link between smoking, obesity and stillbirth.
Its chair, Dr Sue Belgrave, says the findings show how critical it is to ensure pregnant women receive as much help and support as possible to quit smoking and have a healthy weight both before and during pregnancy.
The committee also called for wider societal commitment to address the impact of poverty.
The risk of maternal death for women living in most deprived areas is 2.5 time that of those living in the least deprived areas.
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