In spite of this encouraging news, the death rate for infants in the United States is higher than that of any other Western industrialized country. Further, the gap between the survival rates of black and white babies has increased. While research into this disparity continues, many risk factors for black infant mortality have been identified. Ensuring healthy outcomes for African American mothers and their babies requires a good understanding of these complex and interrelated causes.
Smoking is the single most important factor in infant mortality.
Even if the pregnant woman herself doesn't smoke, living with a smoker puts her baby at risk. Low maternal weight gain. When a pregnant woman doesn't gain enough weight, she places her baby at a risk second only to that of smoking. Personal beliefs as well as outdated medical advice may lead a woman to limit her weight gain. Adolescents may eat less in an attempt to conceal pregnancy.