RELAX & RENEW
Healthy MotherHealthy Baby
Reducing the Risk of Infant Mortality
By RASHIDA A. MARSHALL
25,000—this is the number of infants that die every year as a
result of infant mortality, according to the Centers for Disease
Control. Infant mortality is classified as the death of a baby
before his/her first birthday, and African American women are
2.3 times more likely to deal with this issue compared to
non-Hispanic whites. The top causes of infant mortality are low
birth weight, congenital malformations, SIDS and maternal
complications, and although there are no specific screening
tests to tell if a woman will have to deal with infant mortality,
there are things which can be done to reduce the risks, such
as making healthier choices during pregnancy.
Leading a healthy lifestyle both before and during pregnancy
can greatly reduce a woman’s chances of having a high
risk pregnancy. Studies have shown that how and what a
woman eats before pregnancy is a large factor in the health
of her future baby. During pregnancy, poor maternal nutrition
can lead to preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, birth defects
and complications with the pregnancy.
Women looking to become pregnant should aim to get to an
ideal weight by adopting a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, healthy fats and water. During pregnancy, it
is important to consume adequate amounts of calcium,
magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E, and make sure food choices
are of a high quality. Additionally, pregnant women should
consume at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily through their
diet or supplements and abstain from drugs and alcohol to help
prevent developmental defects within the newborn.
Incorporating a consistent physical activity regimen into
the schedule is also very beneficial during pregnancy. As a
woman goes along her 9 month journey, she will have to deal
with many changes including increased body aches, joint and
back discomfort, a heightened heart rate response as well as
other things. When done correctly, however, exercise during
pregnancy can alleviate some these discomforts. It helps to
increase muscular strength and function, shorten the length
of labor, lower the baby’s levels of subcutaneous fat and aid in
healthier long-term growth and development for the offspring.
It is very important to check with a medical professional
for guidance before starting any exercise regimen while
pregnant. Contact sports and activities such as scuba diving
and skiing should be avoided. The best route is
to select activities which are enjoyable for the
mother, do not pose a risk to the fetus, and can
be easily modified. Consulting with a fitness
professional that is knowledgeable in prenatal
exercise design can be helpful, as well.
Managing stress levels is also very important.
Constant anger, anxiety, and high stress levels
are all factors for hypertension, diabetes and
obesity which are all risk factors for poor birth
outcomes. Pregnancy is a stressful time for
a woman’s body, so it is very important for
mothers who are carrying to take time to relax
while resting their bodies and minds.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time for a woman,
but it is also a time when much care should
be taken. Gathering sufficient information,
making the right choices, and being in a
supportive environment can all aid in having a
successful pregnancy and a healthy, bouncing
baby.
Sources: Office of Minority Health
Joint Center’s Health Policy Institute
Centers for Disease Control
26 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 AFIYA MAGAZINE