Japan shows how to save the children.

Abstract

In 1950, Japan's infant mortality rate was 60.1/1000 live births, its perinatal mortality rate was 46.6/1000 live births, and its maternal mortality rate 176.1/100,000 live births. In 1986, the infant mortality rate was 5.2, the perinatal mortality rate was 7.3/100,000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate was 11.7/100,000 live births. The infant mortality rate can be lowered further by reducing the incidence of hypoxia, asphyxia, and respiratory disorders through imoproved perinatal monitoring and a health care system. Factors which contribute to Japan's low infant mortality include 1) early prenatal care, 2) few unmarried mothers (In 1982, they were .9% of the total number of mothers.), 3) favorable age of mothers (Most are between ages 20 and 34.), 4) few adolescent mothers (In 1985, they constituted 1.3% of all mothers.), 5) competent medical attention (In 1985, 99.8% of all deliveries were in hospitals or private clinics.), 6) a week's stay in the hospital for the mother and child, and 7) use of the Maternal and Child Health handbook. The handbook is a detailed medical record of every child born in Japan, from the time it is conceived until it becomes 6 years old. 1st issued in 1942, the handbook has created a foundation for maternal and child health, stimulating and increasing pregnant women's awareness of the value of the health check-up.