Maternal characteristics
Babies born to mothers with a maternal age less than 20 and over 35 years had increased perinatal mortality rates, however these maternal age groups only accounted for a small proportion of births in Australia (3% and 4% respectively). For more information see Tables A16 and A17.
Perinatal mortality rates were higher for babies born to women who reported smoking throughout pregnancy when compared to those who did not smoke (12.6 per 1,000 births and 8.5 per 1,000 births). See Figure 4.1.
Babies born to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers had higher rates of perinatal mortality when compared to non-Indigenous mothers (15.8 per 1,000 births and 9.2 per 1,000 births). For more information see Table A10.
Socioeconomic status and remoteness
Perinatal mortality rates were highest for babies born to mothers residing in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic areas. For more information see Table A21.
The lowest rates of perinatal mortality by remoteness of residence were seen in babies born to mothers living in Major cities and highest for those living in Remote and Very remote areas. For more information see Table A22.