[Perinatal mortality of fetuses and newborns in Poland in the years 1999-2008].

Background: Procreation and perinatal health which includes maternal health, fetal growth and well being of newborns are a challenge for modern medicine. One of the indices of evaluation of perinatal health is perinatal mortality of fetuses and newborns. This has been emphasised in the National Health Programme in Poland for 2007-2015.
Aim: Analysis of perinatal mortality in the period 1999-2008 of fetuses, newborn and stillborn, with
Material and Methods: The analysis was based on data from the Central Statistical Office, from the Ministry of Health dokument MZ-29 and on data obtained from own studies.
Results: In the second part of the analysed period there was a reduction in the rate of fall of the number of newborn deaths. This was particulary marked in newborn with low and extremely low birthweight. Throughout the whole period of analysis there was a significant difference in the perinatal mortality between the newborn group with birthweight above 2500 g and the newborn group below 2500 g. Higher newborn mortality and particularly higher stillbirth rate was found in the group of mothers above 40 years of age. In the maternal group aged 15-19 years, these indices were slightly less increased. Throughout the analysis period it was noted that there were significant differences between individual voivodeships in perinatal mortality of newborn, as well as of still births.
Conclusions: 1. In order to improve perinatal health and to further reduce the perinatal mortality and in particular to reduce the number of stillbirths and newborn with low and very low birthweight, it is essential to create a well functioning system of triple level perinatal care. There is on urgent need for elaboration of such a programme and finding financial resources for its implementation. 2. Part of this task is to modernise and improve the medical documentation concerning perinatal health.