What is the leading cause of neonatal mortality?

What is the leading cause of neonatal mortality?

• A. Preterm birth
• B. Fetal anomalies
• C. Maternal hypertension
• D. Placental previa

Answer: (A)

Prematurity and the problems it creates are the main drivers of neonatal mortality. When a baby is born too early, organs—especially the lungs, brain, heart, and immune system—aren’t fully developed. This makes it hard for the newborn to breathe, regulate body temperature, fight infections, and maintain stable circulation. The most common immediate issue is respiratory distress syndrome from surfactant deficiency, but premature infants also face risks like complications in brain vessels (intraventricular hemorrhage), gut problems (necrotizing enterocolitis), and sepsis. The level of risk climbs as gestational age decreases and birth weight is very low, so prematurity becomes the leading cause of death in the neonatal period. Fetal anomalies, maternal hypertension, and placental disorders can contribute to neonatal complications, but they do not account for as large a share of neonatal deaths as prematurity does.

Prematurity and the problems it creates are the main drivers of neonatal mortality. When a baby is born too early, organs—especially the lungs, brain, heart, and immune system—aren’t fully developed. This makes it hard for the newborn to breathe, regulate body temperature, fight infections, and maintain stable circulation. The most common immediate issue is respiratory distress syndrome from surfactant deficiency, but premature infants also face risks like complications in brain vessels (intraventricular hemorrhage), gut problems (necrotizing enterocolitis), and sepsis. The level of risk climbs as gestational age decreases and birth weight is very low, so prematurity becomes the leading cause of death in the neonatal period.

Fetal anomalies, maternal hypertension, and placental disorders can contribute to neonatal complications, but they do not account for as large a share of neonatal deaths as prematurity does.