While research into this disparity continues, many risk factors for black infant mortality have been identified. Ensuring healthy outcomes for African American mothers and their babies requires a good understanding of these complex and interrelated causes.
Smoking. Smoking is the single most important factor in infant mortality. Even if the pregnant woman herself doesn’t smoke, living with a smoker puts her baby at risk.
Low maternal weight gain. When a pregnant woman doesn’t gain enough weight, she places her baby at a risk second only to that of smoking. Personal beliefs as well as outdated medical advice may lead a woman to limit her weight gain. Adolescents may eat less in an attempt to conceal pregnancy. Compared with white mothers, more African American mothers gain too little weight during pregnancy.
Poor nutrition. Many infants die as a direct result of their mothers’ inadequate diets. While WIC could help, many women do not take advantage of this service, assuming a doctor’s order is required, or that pregnant women are not eligible. Other women may not realize the importance of a nutritious diet on their baby’s development.
Late prenatal care. Early and regular prenatal care significantly lowers the risk of infant mortality. Fewer African American women get into care during their first trimester. Reasons for late care are complex and include mothers’ reluctance to approach the medical establishment as well as a lack of doctors willing to accept Medicaid patients.
Pre-term labor. Almost half of the babies who die in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties are born too early. Not recognizing the symptoms of pre-term labor, many women do not seek help in time to avoid delivering premature babies.
Poverty. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infant mortality rate for babies born to women living in households with incomes below the poverty line is 60% higher than for babies of non-poor women. CDC concluded that poverty raises infant morality rates as much as smoking during pregnancy or inadequate prenatal care.
Social risks. Other life circumstances are also linked with higher rates of infant mortality. For example, infants born to women who are unmarried, very young, or over age 35 are more at risk.
Substance abuse. When a pregnant woman takes a drink or a drug, her unborn baby does too. Babies exposed to drugs or alcohol are at high risk for low birth weight, premature birth and death.
Domestic violence. Women’s reluctance to report battering makes it difficult to get a clear picture of the extent of domestic violence. It is estimated that as many as 20% of pregnant teens and 17% of adult pregnant women are victims of domestic violence. The risk of fetal death after significant maternal trauma is quite high and fetal death can occur when no outward signs of injury are visible.
Source: The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, Inc.
Black Infant Mortality 