Babies born to ‘deprived’ parents more likely to die

Babies born to parents from ‘deprived backgrounds’, are at a higher risk of dying, being born early or suffering birth defects.

The death of a newborn baby is more than twice as likely to happen to parents living in deprived areas, with around 80 per cent of these deaths caused by premature birth or birth defects.

The findings by Doctor Lucy Smith from the University of Leicester, urges more research into understanding the link between deprivation and premature birth.

All neonatal deaths in England between 1997 and 2007 were investigated, with a deprivation score allocated to each.

During this time period, 18,524 newborns died with premature birth and defects found to be the commonest reason. 

The researchers found that in between 1997 and 1999, the neonatal mortality rates were more than twice as high in deprived areas, though this has narrowed slightly in 2006 to 2007.

The research, published on the British Medical Journal website has left the authors calling for a greater understanding to help reduce preterm birth.