(MONCTON, N.B.) Tuesday, Dec. 10 2019 - A continued downward trend in overall delivery rates in New Brunswick, along with ongoing variability between the province's different regions, represent just a few of the highlights contained in PerinatalNB's second ever report of indicators.

PerinatalNB's "Report of Indicators 2014-2019" captures a wide assortment of vital data collected from across the province over the last five years, including indicators related to maternal health, labour and delivery outcomes, and newborn health in New Brunswick.

"This work reflects the continuity of our efforts to provide sound data on maternal and neonatal health outcomes," said Gaetane LeBlanc-Cormier, executive director of PerinatalNB.

"We hope health-care professionals and administrators will use this information to leverage their observations and experiences to guide their efforts in quality improvement initiatives."

Some of the primary findings include the increased prevalence of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension among pregnant women in 2018-19, as well as an ongoing decrease in the number of babies being delivered in provincial hospitals.

While some indicators are comparable to the national rates, the report also identified some significant gaps.

"The report highlights the excellence in perinatal care in NB but also indicates areas to focus on for improvement," said Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, medical director of PerinatalNB.

"There is great opportunity for overall system improvements, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to improve perinatal care in NB."

The following is a brief look at some of the key points:

• A total of 6,355 babies were born in New Brunswick in 2018-19, continuing a downward trend that has been ongoing for the last five years.
• Rates of gestational diabetes among pregnant women increased for a third consecutive year, climbing to 8.1 per cent in 2018-19 from 6.9 per cent in 2016-17.
• Rates of gestational hypertension are also increasing steadily in New Brunswick, rising to 5.6 per cent in 2018-19, up from 4.4 per cent in 2016-17.

The report contributes to the program's vision to strive for optimal perinatal health outcomes across the continuum of care for expectant mothers and babies in New Brunswick.

The organization was established in 2014 to address New Brunswick's need for a centralized and coordinated approach to promoting better perinatal health.

 It is a formal partnership of Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network and the Province of New Brunswick Department of Health. The full report can be viewed by visiting  www.PerinatalNB.ca.

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For more information contact:

Kris McDavid
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca
news.horizonnb.ca