Parents to Be

Unfortunately, we cannot expect to prevent all SIDS deaths now. To do so, requires a much greater understanding of SIDS, which will be achieved only with considerably expanded research effort.

However, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS. There are things that parents-to-be can do.

Healthy pregnancies lead to healthy babies and healthy babies have a less risk of dying from any illness!

Get medical care early in pregnancy, preferably within the first three months, followed by regular checkups at the doctor's office or health clinic. Make every effort to assure good nutrition. These measures can reduce the risk of premature birth, a major risk factor for SIDS.

Do not smoke, use cocaine, or use heroin. Speak to your doctor before using any medications even over the counter drugs. Alcohol should be avoided. Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the infant's risk for SIDS and other respiratory problems.

Take care to prevent becoming pregnant during the teenage years. If you are a teen and already have one infant, take extreme caution not to become pregnant again. The SIDS rate decreases for babies born to mothers over the age of twenty. It is highest for babies born to teenage mothers. The more babies a teen mother has, the greater at risk they are. Wait at least one year between the birth of a child and the next pregnancy. Remember, the shorter the interval between pregnancies, the higher the SIDS rate.

Nutrition: Expectant moms must take care to eat properly. Your baby needs good nutrition to grow properly. Low birth weight increases the risk of SIDS and many other medical problems. A variety of foods is needed for good nutrition, meats, milk products, vegetables, fruits, breads and grains.