By JC Medina
Thurston County has become the first in the state of Washington to implement a comprehensive Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program (FIMR), aiming to reduce stillbirth rates and improve maternal health outcomes.
The innovative program, launched in January 2024, conducts detailed reviews of fetal deaths, a practice unprecedented in the state.
Lisa Ostler, program coordinator, emphasized the program's significance.
"We are the only county in the entire state of Washington that reviews fetal deaths," she said.
Ostler emphasized the program's community-focused approach.
"We want to know why. We want to figure out how we can prevent (stillbirths)," she said.
The team conducts in-depth interviews with affected families, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, explained Ostler.
During the Board of Health meeting on April 8, she noted multiple reviewed cases revealed common risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and decreased fetal movement.
Ostler explained that unrecognized and untreated gestational diabetes can cause early pregnancy complications.
The program's most promising intervention is the "Count the Kicks" campaign, set to launch on May 12.
This app-based program, originally developed in Iowa, demonstrated a 34% decrease in stillbirths over a decade.
The program aims to educate health care providers and pregnant women about early warning signs and preventative measures.
The Fetal and Infant Mortality Review team is funded by the National Center for Fatality Review & Prevention.
The team also offers a bereavement support group for community members affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or child loss.
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