Bad news for moms to be

Disturbing news for mothers to be in the U.S.. American-born babies have a greater risk of death in their first month than babies in 40 other countries. Babies have better odds of surviving their first month in countries such as Malaysia, Poland and Cuba.

LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - The disturbing results are published in the current issue of the journal, Public Library of Science Medicine (PLoS). The work is based on research from the World Health Organization which estimated the mortality rates  of newborns in more than 200 countries over  a period of 20 years. 

Although newborn mortality has decreased globally, the rate of decrease has been slow despite significant efforts to combat the tragedy. In a staggering estimate, researchers stated that approximately 3.3 million babies died during their first month in 2009. Although that figure is down from 4.6 million in 1990, it is slower than hoped.

Conversely, reductions in child death for ages 1-5 have dropped more rapidly worldwide, possibly because not enough attention has been focused on neonatal mortality. Researchers noted that mortality rates remained particularly high in Africa and Asia. India had the highest rate of deaths, at almost 1 million per year.

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Researchers say that simple changes can make a big difference. Carrying babies to term significantly improves their chances, even if the baby is fully developed at 39 weeks. The extra time in the womb is somehow of benefit although researchers don't fully understand why. Other improvements, such as keeping babies warm and clean and breastfeeding can also improve their chances.

The proposed improvements are important. They suggest that simple, timeless methods, that don't bear any cost, can make a difference. It underscores the importance of teaching these practices to health-care providers, midwives, and mothers. 

Until the U.S. improves its practices and lowers the risk of neonatal deaths, it will be ranked next to other countries, such as Qatar, with whom it ties.

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