Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Lancet Study: Stillbirth Hotspots Found in India
A study in India looked at how often babies are stillborn (born dead).
In 2020, about 6 or 7 out of every 1,000 babies were stillborn.
Stillbirths were more common in cities than in the countryside.
Some areas in northern and central India had higher rates.
If mothers were not healthy, like if they had anemia, the risk of stillbirth increased.
Things like getting regular check-ups and taking vitamins helped to lower the risk.
The study used data from surveys to find these things out.
A Lancet study analyzed stillbirth rates in India using national survey data.
The nationwide stillbirth rate in 2020 was 6.548 per 1,000 total births.
Stillbirth rates were higher among urban mothers compared to rural mothers.
Northern and central India had the highest stillbirth rates.
Factors like anemia and underweight status in pregnant women increased stillbirth risk.
- Who
- Researchers, including those from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Indian Council of Medical Research, conducted the study.
- What
- A study mapped stillbirth rates across India.
- When
- Data from 2020 was analyzed.
- Where
- India, with hotspots in the north and center.
- Why
- To understand the rates and contributing factors of stillbirths in India.
- Stillbirth Rate (2020)
- 6.548 per 1,000 births
- Data Sources
- National Family Health Survey, Civil Registration System
- Higher Rates
- Urban mothers, North and Central India
- Lower Risk Factors
- Hygienic menstrual practices, C-section deliveries
- Contributing Factor
- Anemia and underweight pregnant women
- Study Published In
- The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal