RESUMO
The trend of perinatal mortality in Chile is analyzed for the period from 1956 to 1986, showing changes in late fetal mortality according to age of the mother, parity, and weight of the newborn. Overall perinatal mortality, including both late fetal and early neonatal mortality categories, followed a general downward trend. The decrease was not steady, however, and the rate was not the same for both categories. Between 1956 and 1967 the annual decline in perinatal mortality was 0.6 percent, while from 1967 to 1975 it was 3.3 percent, and from 1975 to 1984, it was 6.7 percent. For the last two years of the study the rate was stable. The decrease observed coincides with the importance that has been given to perinatology as a speciality, and to the establishment of numerous perinatal care centers throughout the country. Nevertheless, new approaches are needed for the prevention of teenage pregnancy and for the reduction of premature births