Frequently Asked Questions
What is the risk of my baby dying before it's first birthday?
- A black woman is two or three times more likely than a white woman to lose her child before his or her first birthday. In South Carolina, during 2000, 488 infants died. Of these 296 were black and other race.
What can I do to prevent it?
- Although there is no way to completely prevent any infant death, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk significantly.
- Diet - balanced diet plus an additional 300 calories per day.
- Stop douching!
- Vitamins - take prenatal vitamins, including 400mg of folic acid every day.
- Drugs and alcohol - avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. Consult with your doctor before using any medication, whether it is prescription or over-the-counter.
- Occupational hazards - make sure to tell your doctor that you are pregnant before allowing yourself to be exposed to x-rays. Also, stay away from toxic chemicals both in your home and at your workplace.
- Prenatal care - make sure to seek prenatal care as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
Why would this happen to me?
- No one understands all the reasons why infant mortality is so high within the black population, but SCBIBS is committed to improving black infant survival.
Can you determine my risk in advance by any tests, such as ultrasound, CVS, or amniocentesis?
- Although these tests may be helpful in detecting possible problems with an unborn child, none of these tests can detect whether your baby will die before its first birthday.
What is preterm or early labor?
- Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions and cervical dilation before the 37th week of pregnancy/gestation.
What are the signs and symptoms of preterm labor?
- Low, dull back pain.
- Menstrual-like cramps that come and go or don't go away.
- Fluid or unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
- Feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness.
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea).
- General sense of discomfort or unease.
What is considered low birth weight?
- Low birth weight is defined as between 5lb 8oz and 3lb 5oz.
- Very low birth weight is less than 3lb 5oz.
What is SIDS?
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - also known as crib death - is one of the top three causes of black infant death. It is the diagnosis given for the sudden death of an infant that remains unexplained after a complete investigation.
- Research reports have documented that placing babies to sleep on their backs is associated with a reduction in the incidence of SIDS. However, sleep position in and of itself is not a cause of SIDS.
- Recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS include:
- Do not allow smoking around your infant.
- Breastfeed.
- Maintain regular well-baby visits, including recommended immunizations.
- Place infant to sleep on a firm mattress and avoid the use of bean bag cushions, waterbeds, soft fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft materials.
- Do not overdress or overheat your infant.