This report summarizes research and training activities between 1984 and 1987 of the Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Activities are reported for the following six maternal-infant emphasis areas: (1) high risk pregnancies; (2) fetal pathophysiology; (3) premature birth and labor;…

This policy brief addresses the current and future impact of substance abuse by pregnant women on their infants and children. It provides data on incidence estimates in 1985, 1989, 1995, and 2000. Findings of studies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina provide documentation for varying incidence estimates.…

The use of crack during pregnancy is producing tens of thousands of blameless children each year who, by biology and environment, are impaired. Describes the effects of crack on children and what can be done for crack-smoking mothers-to-be. Offers suggestions to school boards for providing a structured supportive learning environment for these…

This manual assists state agencies in developing public policy and programs to address prevention and treatment for the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by women during pregnancy. It stresses the importance of collaborative action among the many agencies involved. The first chapter is a specific call for collaboration, noting several federal…

Trends during the 1980s are described including high infant mortality, no decline in low birthweight percentages, an increase in the black-white infant mortality gap, more high-risk pregnancies, and inadequate prenatal care. Inadequate progress in reducing infant mortality is attributed in part to the limited technological ability to save…

A child born in Japan, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or any of 12 other industrialized nations has a better chance of surviving his or her first year than does a child born in the United States. This is because too many babies are born too small, too many are born too soon, and too many mothers never get decent care…