The infant mortality rate in Alabama rose to 9.5 per 1000 births in 2008 according to statistics compiled by Auburn University in Montgomery.
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Infant-Mortality-Rate-Going-Up-in-Alabama/A_Hv7cfGkE-jI-CmM9jAew.cspx
The one half percentage increase versus 2006 was unexpected because infant mortality rates were 11 percent in 2007 in Alabama and had been decreasing.
Waldemar A. Carlo, MD, Edwin M. Dixon Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, postulates the following as causes:
1) Teen births in Alabama are increasing,
2) Smoking in pregnant women is increasing,
3) Obesity - Alabama has one of the highest rates in the country,
4) A 16 percent premature delivery rate, and
5) Low birth weight.
http://www.uabmedicine.org/60548/
Doctor Derrol Dawkins of Metro Pediatrics adds the rate of out of wedlock births is 40 percent in Alabama. The implications of lack of support system, financial support for the expectant mother, and lack of insurance are inferred in this cause.
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Infant-Mortality-Rate-Going-Up-in-Alabama/A_Hv7cfGkE-jI-CmM9jAew.cspx
Methamphetamine use is rampant in Alabama. Researchers at UCLA have identified brain abnormalities resulting from the use of meth. These developmental deficiencies could explain some of the premature births and low birth weight births in Alabama.
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/medicine_health/researchers_id_brain_abnormalities_children_exposed_150946.html
The "Meth Epidemic" is being addressed by local, state, and federal law enforcement. A grant initiative begun in October 2009 called "COPS Methamphetamine Initiative Alabama" helps to fund the efforts in Alabama.
http://www.patriot3.com/2009/10/20/cops-methamphetamine-initiative-alabama/
UAB offers these resources for expectant mothers:
1) High Risk Obstetrics at the Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) can manage problems for expectant mothers with diabetes, high blood pressure, Rh problems, or heart, lung, kidney, vascular diseases, premature delivery, prior pregnancy complications, twins, pregnancy loss, and many other pre birth difficulties.
UAB Obstetrics Special Care Building1500 6th Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL
Appointments: (205) 934-9999
Nationwide 24/7 physician information at 1-800-UAB-MIST (1-800-822-6478).
http://www.uabhealth.org/13652/nationally-ranked-gynecology-program/13720/
2) UAB's new Women and Infants Center opened on February 21, 2010.
Located on the corner of 6th Avenue and 18th Street South in Birmingham, Alabama
(205) 934-9999 or toll free 1-800-UAB-8816
http://www.uabhealth.org/60918/
http://www1.uabhealth.org/UAB_WH/Home
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