Mississippi continues to have one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the nation. Almost 1 in 100 babies born to Mississippi mothers die before they are 1 year old.
Causes of Infant Mortality
Low birth weight, often accompanied by premature birth, is the leading cause of infant mortality in Mississippi. Low birth weight is often an indicator of the mother's poor health before and during pregnancy. This in turn reflects community and environmental influences on health that affect the population of the state as a whole.
Other leading factors in infant mortality are genetic defects that babies are born with, and sudden/unexpected infant death syndrome.
MSDH's Infant Mortality Reports examine the causes of infant mortality in detail, track the state's progress, and give specific public health recommendations to bring about improvement.
Improving Infant Survival
Proper health care for the mother before and during pregnancy can directly reduce the number of babies born with risks to their health and survival. This is especially important for mothers who, like many Mississippians, have existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Mississippians can take advantage of MSDH programs and information especially designed for healthy pregnancies and healthier births:
- Health habits before and during pregnancy
- Safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sudden or unexpected infant death (SIDS/SUIDS)
- Support for mothers with health conditions or pregnancy risks
- Birth defects prevention and detection
- Support for children with special health care needs
- In-home support for mothers in high-risk areas of Mississippi
