State of South Dakota's child: 2000

For the second consecutive year, 1999 brought an increase in the total number of births in South Dakota. Low birth weight newborns also increased during this year to 5.9%, representing the highest rate observed since 1974. Although the total percent of low birth weight increased, the percent of very low birth weight slightly decreased. Also observed is an increase in the use of prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. The infant mortality rate for the state decreased slightly but remains higher than what is noted nationally. The rate of neonatal mortality is also slightly higher than the national rate. South Dakota's rate of post neonatal mortality remains considerably higher than the national rate but did decrease in 1999. The special topic of this year's report is brain development and the role of early experience. The state's new Bright Start program for pregnant women and their infants is described.