The Centers For Disease Control reports that African-American women and their babies are at a higher risk for pregnancy and birth complications, including pre-mature birth. Premature delivery is the most frequent cause of death among babies, and among black babies, the rate is 2.4 times higher than among white babies. A recent study shows why.
Why?
According to research, minorities are more exposed to pollution than whites. Poor blacks are more likely to live near toxic waste sites, landfills, and congested highways. This puts them at greater risk for tailpipe exhaust and other emissions that can effect their health and the health of their unborn children.
But there are many ways that mothers of black babies can protect themselves against premature birth!
Pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones recommends:
- Choose other routes when travelling, avoiding congested highways as much as possible, to avoid vehicle exhaust.
- Keep allergens out of the house by closing windows and doors and removing shoes when entering the house to avoid pesticides and other pollutants from getting into the house.
- Vacuum often to remove allergens from carpeting, using a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of dirt, toxins and lead in your home.
- Don’t use a wood-burning stove while pregnant. The smoke can carry with it carcinogenic materials, including fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.
- Don’t Smoke
You may not be able to change where you live and drive, but these tips will add to the protection of your health and that of your unborn child.
For more details, visit www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/infantmortality.htm
