Gestational Age and Fetal Deaths: On 12/15/2015, we implemented the new national standard for calculating gestational age per NCHS that uses the Obstetric Estimate instead of the LMP-based calculation (National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 64, No.5, Gestational Age in Vital Statistics Data: Transitioning to the Obstetric Estimate. June 1, 2015). The update was applied to previously-published data for years 2008-2013. The new method has the effect of slightly lowering gestational ages by ~0.5 per 1,000. Therefore you will see a reduction in the fetal mortality rate as compared to 2007.
Content Version
12/15/2015