Progress Toward Achieving the 1990 Objectives for Pregnancy and Infant Health

Abstract

The 1990 Health Objectives for the Nation, published by the US Public Health Service in 1979, identifies 13 priority tasks related to pregnancy and infant health. These objectives concern improving health status, reducing risk factors, increasing public and professional awareness, and improving maternal-child health services. A review of national vital statistics suggests that the majority of stated objectives for improving health status and reducing risk factors for pregnant women and infants will not be met by 1990. The decline in the infant mortality rate has slowed since the preceding decade from nearly 5%/year in 1970-81 to under 3%/year in 1981-85. The 1970-81 trend analysis projected that 41 states would meet the objective of no more than 9 deaths/1000 live births by 1990; however, extrapolation of the 1981-85 data suggests that only 25 states will meet this objective by 1990. The data further suggest that the incidence of low birthweight infants (less than 2500 grams) will be 6.7% in 1990 rather than the proposed 5%. These findings indicate a need to sustain and strengthen federal activities aimed at preventing infant mortality and low birthweight. At the same time, positive gains have been made in recent years in terms of promotion of the use of infant safety seats in automobiles, increased awareness of the hazards of smoking and alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, and the availability of screening programs for newborns. Prenatal care attendance increased from 73% in 1980 to 76% in 1985, but further efforts are required to involve more pregnant women in the health care system in the 1st trimester.