Infant Mortality

Infant mortality rates reflect the quality of prenatal and birth care available to both children and mothers and the overall health and welfare of the community. The infant death rate in the Hampton Roads region is the second highest in Virginia.

Why is This Important?

Infant mortality is defined by the number of infant deaths (before age one) per 1,000 live births and is an indication of the quality and accessibility of prenatal care for pregnant women. Infant mortality is also a leading factor in determining whether the federal government designates a city or a county as medically underserved and eligible for certain benefits. The infant mortality rate is a critical indicator in the overall health and welfare of a region.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

Infant Mortality Rates, By Region. Read text for explanationAlthough it continues to drop, the infant mortality rate in the Hampton Roads region has consistently been higher than the average rate in Virginia. However, it is now at its lowest point since 2000 -- 7.8 deaths per 1,000 live births (although still above the state average of 7.0 deaths). The Northern region has consistently seen the lowest rates of infant mortality, with 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2009.

What Influences Infant Mortality?

The exact cause behind the relative differences in infant mortality rates across regions is unclear. Generally, however, the infant mortality rate is associated with maternal health, quality and access to medical care, and socioeconomic conditions, including poverty, substandard housing, illiteracy, substance abuse, and exposure to pollutants. In Virginia the three leading causes of infant deaths are birth defects, extreme immaturity (preterm birth and low-birth weight), and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Page last modified April 11, 2011
Infant Mortality Rates, By Region. Read text for explanation.

Data Definitions and Sources

Regional Data: Virginia Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics

Virginia Kids Count, Understanding the Complexities of Death Among Virginia's Youngest Children, Virginia KIDS COUNT data brief, June, 2007. (PDF)

Save the Children, State of the World's Mothers 2006: Saving the Lives of Mothers and Newborns, May 2006.

See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.

At a Glance: Infant Mortality

Performance: Improving

Highlight: Although it remains high, the rate of infant deaths in the Hampton Roads region has shown significant, steady improvement since 2007.

Mother holding infant child
Regional Programs & Initiatives

Kids Priority One (KPO) is an Information & Referral Service specializing in resources for children and families. A program of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, in partnership with the Kiwanis Children's Council, KPO connects families and service providers-Southside and Peninsula-with resources. Visit the website and extensive database, or call the Information Line at 757-CHILDREN (244-5373).

The Virginia Chapter of the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The Chesapeake Department of Health's Baby Care program (Word doc.) promotes healthy outcomes for at risk pregnant women and infants through home visiting and education by registered nurses. Baby Care includes client education, support, and intervention with clients and families actively involved as partners in decision making.  (757) 382-8652.

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center offers information and services to promote healthy practices before and after birth with The Women's Unit and The BirthPlace.

Additional Information

The KIDS COUNT Data Center, sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, contains state-and city-level data for over 100 measures of child well-being.