why does the u.s. have such a high infant mortality rate?

Question

What are some ways to decrease infant mortality rates?

Answer 1

High premature birth: Approximately 2/3 of infants dying within 12 months of birth die within a month from birth(neonatal death). 30-40% of neonatal deaths are directly related with prematurity/low birth weight and complications thereof.

Answer 2

Blood test: Your baby can look pale, feel tired, sleep more than usual and/or have a decreased appetite. Often times, a baby won't have any symptoms and the deficiency will be picked up via screening labs.

Answer 3

Lab work: Babies at high risk for iron deficiency include those born prematurely and babies who aren't eating any solids (like rice cereal) after 6 months old. For toddlers, those who drink more than 24 oz of cow's milk a day or follow a vegetarian diet are at highest risk. Because children can have iron deficiency without symptoms a lab test is needed for diagnosis (screening is usually done at 12 mo).

Answer 4

A blood test: It is hard to tell whether or not a 6 month old baby has iron deficiency without doing a blood test. Babies often are a bit deficient in iron because they grow so fast, and new growth (new muscle cells, new blood cells, etc. . .) requires iron. Breast milk, iron-fortified formula, and iron-fortified baby cereal all supply needed iron for a baby's growth.

Answer 5

Leave them alone: The best thing to do is to leave them alone. Try to get rid of the offending agent, heat, over bundling; consider an office visit if baby's skin does not improve. It may be eczema or another common childhood rash.

Answer 6

Repeat if desired: A general "rule of thumb" for oral meds is any vomiting within 15 minutes loses all the med & if needed it can be repeated. Vomiting after 30 minutes not so much.I try to let a kids stomach settle for an hour or so before repeating any med. I'm not a particular fan of this vaccine & don't consider it one of the must haves.

Answer 7

Not necessary!: Vomiting the rotavirus vaccine is rare but not unusual. You are still safe as boosters will follow over the next 2-4 months. Contact your pediatrician if you have other concerns. Your infant is still safe and no harm will follow.

Answer 8

Probably!: Most babies pause breathing for 15 to 20 seconds in the first few months of life. If the breathing resumes spontaneously and there is no change in color it s usually normal. Make sure you take him to his doctor for a ceck up.

Answer 9

Mgt: Brief apneas and periodic breathing can occur at night. I would suggest taking a video to your PCP and discussing an apnea test and other work up. Many infants though have mild brief apneas which require no treatment. Watch for any signs of distress, color changes of the lips eg.

Answer 10

Apnea Monitor?: Not enough information.What do you mean by forget to breathe at night. We need to know how old is baby.Term Birth or Premie.How much does the baby weigh.Any other children in family who had similar problem. I suggest you take the baby to Pediatrician with your concen and if you can take a video,that will help. If the Apnea is significant and there are other risk factors.Apnea Monitor may be neede

Answer 11

Neonatologist: The specialty dealing with sick or premi baby care is neonatology.They goe thru initial pediatric training before concentrating on the newborn.A perinatologist starts out in obgyn before concentrating their studies on the high risk pregnancy. I've never heard of a neoperinatologist.

why does the u.s. have such a high infant mortality rate?

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