Infant Mortality

Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. In addition to giving us key information about maternal and infant health, the infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a society.

Causes of and conditions that can lead to infant death, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths, birth defects, and preterm birth. Five strategies have been identified to prevent or reduce the risk of these causes and conditions to reduce infant mortality rates and improve infant health outcomes.

Five Priority Strategies

  1. Reduce elective deliveries at < 39 weeks
  2. Expand access to interconception care through Medicaid
  3. Increase smoking cessation among pregnant women
  4. Prevent SIDS/SUID
  5. Expand perinatal regionalization

Resources

Page last updated 11/6/23