Infant and Perinatal Death Data

Infant Deaths (1) and Perinatal Deaths(2)

Five Years Combined ('95, '96, '97, '98, '99)
For St. Charles County, for State of Missouri
and for Combined Selected Zip Codes
(63303, 63304, 63332, 63341, 63365, 63366, 63367, 63376)

 
Years 1995, '96, '97,
'98,'99 combined		 Infant Deaths Live Births Rate Per 1000
Selected Zip Codes 75 15,683 4.8
St. Charles County 114 19,778 5.8
Missouri 2,813 371,085 7.6
Years 1995, '96, '97
98,'99 combined		 Perinatal Deaths Live Births
+ Fetal Deaths		 Rate Per 1000
Selected Zip Codes 109 15,743 6.9
St. Charles County 149 19,851 7.5
Missouri 4,010 373,303 10.7

 

(1) Infant deaths are defined as deaths to live born infants before they are one year old.(rate = infant Deaths / live births x 1,000)

(2) Perinatal Deaths are defined as deaths in utero at 20 or greater weeks of gestation plus deaths of live born infants within the first 27 days of life.(rate = perinatal deaths / (live births + fetal deaths) x 1,000)

 

Discussion:

Infant and perinatal deaths and death rates are measured and analyzed by public health agencies all over the world. They are a key indicator of health, or absence of health, in a vulnerable population. Public health often looks at defined vulnerable populations and various measures of health associated with these populations. Public health strives to improve (lower) rates of disease and death by focusing on preventable causes.

The numbers and rates shown above indicate that St. Charles County has infant and perinatal death rates significantly lower than the statewide rate. A more targeted analysis of rates in zip codes surrounding the Weldon Spring Remedial Action Site (the former Weldon Springs Chemical Works) shows that rates in the combined zip codes are lower than the statewide rate and lower than the rate for St. Charles County as a whole. Based on this data there is no reason to suspect that the Weldon Spring Site is having any impact on infant or perinatal deaths in St. Charles County as a whole or in zip codes surrounding the site.

Every one of these deaths is a tragedy. Unfortunately, although causes of death are listed for all deaths, it is not always possible to know exactly "why" or "how" a particular death or condition leading to death occurs. However, it is possible to work to lower the rates in a given population as a whole. By taking the initiative and working with women and families, we can promote those strategies that tend to lead to healthy babies and moms.
Here are a few:

  • EARLY and REGULAR prenatal care is extremely important to the health of mother and baby;

  • Alcohol and tobacco should be totally avoided during pregnancy and drugs should not be taken unless approved by a physician;

  • Folic acid should be prescribed before, during and between pregnancies to reduce the risk of neural tube defects;

  • Breastfeeding should be encouraged whenever possible;

  • Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in order to reduced the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

  • Teens are at greater risk of delivering a low birth weight baby and should receive early and regular prenatal care to reduce this risk.

    Additional information is available by calling 636-949-7400 and by visiting the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment website at www.scchealth.org.

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