Taylor Co. Child Fatality Review Team Sees Trend in Local Child Deaths
By: News Release
Updated: April 11, 2012
The Taylor County Child Fatality Review Team has identified a trend in local child deaths.
From 2010 through 2011, there were 18 child deaths reviewed by the Taylor County Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT). Of those deaths, 83 percent were linked to prematurity, diseases, and disorders.
While many of these deaths were not "preventable", the Taylor County CFRT wants to stress the importance of proper prenatal care and genetic screening for diseases and disorders.
Prenatal Care
Genetic Screening for Diseases and Disorders
From 2010 through 2011, there were 18 child deaths reviewed by the Taylor County Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT). Of those deaths, 83 percent were linked to prematurity, diseases, and disorders.
While many of these deaths were not "preventable", the Taylor County CFRT wants to stress the importance of proper prenatal care and genetic screening for diseases and disorders.
Prenatal Care
- As soon as a woman realizes she is pregnant, she should immediately consult a health care professional to not only confirm the pregnancy, but to begin a proper pre-natal care regimen.
- Prenatal care is extremely important in determining the eventual health and wellness of the child.
- Many birth defects have been linked to the mother's health and behavior during pregnancy.
- While proper diet is essential to good health all the time, nutrition during pregnancy is particularly important.
Genetic Screening for Diseases and Disorders
- Prenatal diagnostic testing uses blood tests and ultrasounds to determine abnormalities in the fetus.
- This helps medical professionals identify "high-risk" pregnancies.
- Early detection enables medical personnel to place the mother in the correct medical facility prior to birth.
- While screening cannot "prevent" diseases, early detections equips the parents with accurate information. Some conditions can be surgically corrected after birth.
