SIDS

What is SIDS?

SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome. This term describes the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year of age.

Some people call SIDS crib death because many babies who die of SIDS are found in their cribs. But, cribs dont cause SIDS.

What should I know about SIDS?

• Babies sleep safer on their backs. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their backs.
  
• Sleep surface matters. Babies who sleep on or under soft bedding are more likely to die of SIDS.
  
• Every sleep time counts. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but who are then placed on their stomachs, like for a nap, are at very high risk for SIDS. So its important for everyone who cares for your baby to use the back sleep position for naps and at night.
  
• Communities across the nation have made great progress in reducing SIDS! Since the Back to Sleep campaign began in 1994, the SIDS rate in the United States has declined by more than 50 percent.
  

Know the Signs of Preterm Labor

Preterm or premature labor is when you go into labor 3 or more weeks before your due date. This is too early and your baby could be born too soon. Here are the warning signs:

• Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
• Clear, pink or brownish fluid (water) leaking from your vagina
• The feeling that your baby is pushing down
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like your period
• Cramps with or without diarrhea
  

Call your health care provider or go to the hospital right away if you think you are having preterm labor, or if you have any of the warning signs. Call even if you have only one sign.