Impacts of Perinatal Death on Women and Families: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Abstract

Globally, approximately 6,700 neonatal deaths occur daily, and nearly three-quarters occur within the first week of life. This equates to 1 in 72 total births resulting in a stillborn baby, or one every 16 seconds. 1 It means that many countries around the world are experiencing major public health problems caused by perinatal death (PD), 2,3 which is the death of a fetus or neonate from 28 completed weeks (196 days) of gestation to seven completed days after birth. 4 An associated risk for PD can be divided into two subgroups; easily preventable and treatable, such as from danger and injury during the birthing process, diseases or complications in pregnant women; and causes that are difficult to prevent and treat, such as congenital malformations, abnormalities of the placenta and umbilical cord, and asphyxia caused by placental abruption, etc. 1-4 Therefore, PD is the death of unborn or newborn children that is a traumatic event occurring in a sudden, violent, or traumatic way and is also considered the death of a non-person. [5][6] Birth is perceived as a pleasant event followed by motherhood and fatherhood. Thus, birth symbolizes a perfect family. 7 Many women around the world have been expected to perform feminine roles as wife and mother from generation to generation 8 in the same way men are expected by wives, families, and society to be family leaders providing all family members with physical and mental comforts. 9 Once PD had occurred, the devastation of PD is considered a life-long crisis event widely impacting not only women but also whole families. This is because the family is seen as a crucial support system for all family members, especially when faced with a devastating event caused by PD. In this regard, the family is a system