Perinatal Health Disparities Essay

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To be able to understand perinatal health disparities, low birth weight, preterm delivery, morbidity, and mortality of infants very important to determine most common causes which is: genetic background, age of mother, access to prenatal care, nutrition, drug use, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking. Each factor by itself can affect the birth outcome and cause low birth weight, preterm or morbidity of infants. Socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, immigrants status, low educational attainment geographic area of residence, multiple gestation pregnancies are associated with significantly increased risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Premature infants are at greater risk of long –term health and mental problems such as: Developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, cognitive deficiencies, mental retardation, behavioral problems, congenital heart anomalies, they prone to chronic health conditions. According to a study by Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)” 83% of …show more content…

Premature babies are more prone to diseases, they have more health problems which can lead to long-term health problems and disabilities, they may stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. All those complications possibly will have financial effect and affect education and workability of the person. “The Institute of Medicine reported that the cost associated with premature birth in the USA was $26.2 billion each year. $1.1 billion for special education services. $5.7 billion in lost work and pay for people born prematurely.About 1 in 3 children born prematurely need special school services.The Institute of Medicine says these services cost an estimated$2.200 per year per child.The Supplemental Security Income(SSI) program pays benefits to disable adults and children who have limited income and resources”( The impact of premature birth on the community and

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