Checkups Key To Avoiding SIDS Tragedy

Unfortunately, not all cases of SIDS can be prevented.

To do so requires a greater understanding of sudden infant death syndrome, which will be achieved only with a commitment from those who value babies and with a considerably expanded research effort.

Still, expectant parents can reduce the risk:

• Get medical care early in pregnancy, preferably within the first three months, followed by regular checkups. Make every effort to assure good nutrition.
• Do not smoke, use cocaine or use heroin. Use during pregnancy increases the infant’s risk for SIDS.
• Prevent becoming pregnant during the teen [Teen Pregnancy] years. The SIDS rate is highest for babies born to teen mothers. The more babies a teen mother has, the greater the risk.
• Wait at least one year between the birth of a child and the next pregnancy. The shorter the interval between pregnancies, the higher the SIDS rate.

Source:Tucson Citizen