Introduction
This topic covers the factors that influence birth and mortality, the definitions and causes of death, the registration of births and deaths, and the main indicators.
Birth
A complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of a foetus, irrespective of whether alive or dead, meeting the following criteria:
- Body weight at birth of 800 grams and over and/or 26 weeks of gestation.
- Body weight at birth of less than 800 grams and/or less than 26 weeks of gestation, provided that the foetus was born alive and has lived at least 3 days.
- Term: 37-42 weeks of gestation; pre-term: under 37 weeks; post-term: 42 weeks or more.
Factors for birth
Reproductive health
- People are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life, with appropriate healthcare services.
- They have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.
Safe motherhood
- Aims at attaining optimal maternal and new-born health: reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity and enhancement of the health of new-born infants.
- Involves access to primary healthcare, including family planning, prenatal, delivery and postnatal care for the mother and infant.
Sexual health
- The integration of somatic, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being in a positive way, so that it enriches and enhances personality, communication and love.
Human sexuality
- Part of human development through every phase of life; it includes physical, psychological and social components and describes social development.
- Sexual health implies a positive approach to human sexuality and is therefore an essential component of reproductive health.
The total fertility rate is the mean number of children that would be born to a woman during her lifetime if she passed through her child-bearing years (15-49 years).