Infant Mortality
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Introduction
Infant mortality (IM) is the incidence of death that occurs in the first year after birth, expressed in relation to every 1,000 live births. Infant mortality is commonly divided into two categories: neonatal deaths (occurring during the first 27 days after birth) post-neonatal deaths (occurring from the age of 28 days to one year).
The largest concern that most people have with regard to medication use during pregnancy is the risk of the drug causing birth defects. The different type of medication is prescription, OTC, illegal, and herbal. Many pregnant women take different types of medication, because they are unaware of the danger some medication may cause. Medication use during pregnancy can also affect other aspects of pregnancy including risk for pre-term birth, spontaneous abortion, or low birth weight. About 1 in 33 babies are born each year with a birth defect.
The leading causes of infant mortality are multi-factorial, interrelated environmental and social factors. Factors that lead to increased infant mortality risk include 1) Low birth-weight, 2) Lack of prenatal care, 3) Lack of medical care access, 4) Mothers with less than a high school education, 5) Lack of health education, 6) Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, including legal or illegal, 7) Sudden infant death syndrome, 8) Maternal infections, 9) Environmental factors, and10) Poverty. The factor that we are mainly focused on in this research is the miss use of medication, prescription, over the counter (OTC), including herbal medication.
Materials and Method
While investigating this research we observed the frequent use of prescription drugs, OTC, and herbal medication. Our research consisted of collecting a list of medicines used frequently, what products they are found in, and the effect it has on pregnant women, and fetuses. Data was collected from Shelby County Health Department, Government and General public information web sites. The purpose of this collection is to inform pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant, about the side effects of these different drugs.
Results
Table 1 represents some out of many different types of herbs that pregnant women should avoid. This table shows what these herbs commonly are used for, what they are found in, and how it can have an effect on pregnant women and the fetus. Table 2 is a list of prescription drugs that cause teratogenic effects. This table shows what the medication is used for. Table 3 represents the over the counter medication and possible factors that influences infant mortality.
(Table 1)
Herbs
Products
Side Effects
Side Effects & Pregnancy
Aloe Vera
(Ref #32)
Cosmetics, gel, wound heal, dry skin, burns, & skin ulcers
Lotion, shower gel, shampoo, & puritan’s pride
Gi cramps, potassium deficiency & albuminuria
Theoretical stimulation of uterine contraction
Arbor vitae
(Ref # 32)
Oily skin, weak nails, warts, & fungal or viral diseases
Thuja ointment & Boiron Thuja Occidentals
Autumn crocus
Used for gout and arthritis
Oniment
Intoxication, severe gastric distress, shock & inhibit normal cell growth
Barberry
(Ref # 32)
Jaundice, diarrhea, removing constipation, and biliousness
Root liquid, barberry tea, & barberrycapsules
Nausea, vomting, headache, hyper-hypotension
Has exhibited uterine stimulantproperties & anti fertility
Basil oil
Relieves tension, stress, and anxiety
Beth root
Black cohosh
(Ref # 32)
Menopausal Symptoms
Remifemin, calcium plus soy, estroven, & flax oil
Dizziness, loss of bone mass, irregular or slow heart beat
1 case of sever multi organ damage
Bloodroot
Plaque, gingivitis, sore throat, & cough
Tooth paste, mouth rinse
Excessive dose can cause low blood pressure, vertigo, & vomiting
Used to stimulate menstruation, so should avoid while pregnant
Blue cohosh
(Ref # 32)
Used to regulate menstrual flow, & for testing suppressed menstruation
Caulophyllum powder, caulophyllum thalictroides
Uterine stimulating effects, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Heart attack & stroke
Cardio toxic effect to the fetus
Broom
(Ref # 32)
Cathartic, diuretic, emetic, antiarrhythimic & labor-induce
Pronatura Dentox 200 tablets
Causes