infant mortality

infant mortality,

the statistical rate of infant death during the first year after live birth, expressed as the number of such deaths per 1000 live births in a specific geographic area or institution in a given period. Neonatal mortality (death within 28 days of birth) accounts for 70% of infant mortality.

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infant,

n/adj a child who is in the earliest stage of extrauterine life, a time extending from the first month after birth to approximately 12 months of age, when the baby is able to assume an erect posture; some extend the period to 24 months of age.

infant mortality,

n the statistical rate of infant death during the first year after live birth, expressed as the number of such births per 1000 live births in a specific geographic area. Neonatal mortality accounts for 70% of infant mortality.

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infant mortality

Epidemiology Death of a child < age 1 Etiology Congenital defects, short gestation, low birth weight, pneumonia, influenza, neonatal infections, complications of placenta, cord, membranes, intrauterine hypoxia, birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, accidents, SIDS. See Infant mortality rate. Cf Postneonatal mortality.