The first 28 days of life – the neonatal period – is the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival (UNICEF). Preterm birth, intrapartum-related complications (birth asphyxia or inability to breathe at birth), infections and birth defects are the leading causes of most neonatal deaths. Children who die within the first 28 days of birth suffer from conditions and diseases associated with lack of quality care at or immediately after birth and in the first days of life (World Health Organization). 

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: While there has been some decrease in the neonatal mortality rate in the United States (March of Dimes), the U.S. neonatal mortality rate is still higher than other high-income countries (UNICEF). Nationally, neonatal mortality rates are higher in rural counties and among infants born to pregnant people identifying as Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC WONDER).  

Inclusive Language Recommendations: As not all people who are pregnant identify as women, recommendations for more gender-inclusive language include using "pregnant people" and "pregnant patients" or other wording as applicable when referring to general recommendations for pregnancy (National Institutes of Health).