In a concerted effort to combat stillbirths and reduce infant mortality rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health has joined forces with Count the Kicks, an evidence-based stillbirth prevention program. The initiative aims to educate expectant parents about the critical importance of monitoring their baby’s movements during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Programs like Count the Kicks help empower expectant mothers to communicate openly about their pregnancy experiences with healthcare providers and loved ones. The initiative provides tools for parents to track their baby’s movements, enabling early detection of potential issues.
Despite advancements in healthcare, stillbirth remains a significant public health concern, with approximately 626 Michigan families affected annually. Racial disparities persist, with a disproportionate number affecting minorities including Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islanders.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
