Established in 1977, the South Carolina Perinatal Association strives to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children through educational activities and collaboration and advocacy with public policy makers. SCPA has a long history of successful partnerships with many organizations on the local, state and national levels that have resulted in positive improvements for women and children in our state.

 

South Carolina faces numerous challenges in assuring all children receive a healthy start in life.  However, many of the obstacles faced by the 63,000 infants born each year in SC can be minimized or prevented. SCPA is committed to identifying opportunities for improving perinatal health in SC and providing leadership to educate providers and influence decision makers.

Here are some South Carolina statistics to consider:

  

·         It is estimated that half of all pregnancies are unintended.

 

·         In 2007, the Infant Mortality rate for SC was 8.5 per 1,000 live births.

·         Black infants are more than twice as likely to die than white infants.

·         The Infant Mortality rate for black infants in 2007 was 13.8 per 1,000 live births.

 

·         Leading causes of infant death in 2007:

·         Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight

·         Congenital anomalies

·         Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

·         Accidents (largely due to unsafe sleeping environments)

·         Maternal complications

 

·         Approximately 30% of women did not receive prenatal care in the first trimester in 2007.

·         The same number received less than adequate prenatal care.

·         Every day in SC, 18 infants are born Low Birth Weight (< 2,500 grams)

 

·         Almost 50% of pregnant women in SC are on Medicaid.

 

·         Between 1997 and 2007 the percentage of infants born preterm in SC steadily increased.

·         In 2007, 1 in 8 infants were born preterm compared to 1 in 10 in 1997.

 

·         Every day in SC, 21 infants are born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy

 

 

We can change these statistics and provide all children with a healthy start in life!  Please join SCPA in our efforts to make a difference.

 *Source:  SC DHEC Division of Biostatistics, PHSIS

 

 

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