Abstract

4,314 stillbirths and early neonatal deaths (perinatal mortalities) were reported to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre by the 19 maternity units in Ireland from 2011 to 2021. There were 3,711 perinatal mortalities in white women and 603 in women in minority ethnic groups. We looked at differences in factors associated with perinatal mortality between both groups. Compared with white women, women in minority ethnic groups who experienced perinatal mortality were younger, and less likely to be employed (46% vs. 75%). More had previous pregnancies (77% vs. 68%), three or more previous completed pregnancies (26% vs. 12%), and previous pregnancy medical issues (49% vs. 38%). Twice as many women in minority ethnic groups had booking appointments after 20 weeks of pregnancy or never received prenatal care. Women in minority ethnic groups experienced more placental conditions and obstetric factors as causes of perinatal mortality, but fewer congenital anomalies. To reduce perinatal mortality rates, and gaps between different groups, various actions are needed. These could include focusing on helping people to find, understand and use information to make decisions about their health (health literacy), improving people’s health before they become pregnant, and ensuring people can access pregnancy care in a way that meets their needs.