They suffer from forced and sometimes violent separation from family, torture, humiliation, and other traumatic experiences. Oral health problems are among the other health issues of this vulnerable population. The developing baby is at risk of possible developmental problems due to maternal nutritional deficiencies and repercussions of maternal anemia, which in severe cases include low birth weight, premature birth, poor fetal growth, asphyxia, and stillbirth. Parasitic diseases are sometimes difficult to readily diagnosis because many HCPs in the U.S. are unfamiliar with the symptoms and appropriate screening tests. This unfamiliarity can increase the health risk in pregnant women and infants because of delayed diagnosis or improper treatment.
Malaria is also a common illness in Somalia.
Among infants, maternal anemia can cause low birthweight, premature birth, poor fetal growth, asphyxia, and stillbirth.