MOTHER/BABY HEALTHCARE

• Only 30% of Russian babies are born healthy - because of heavy smoking, drinking & drug use, complications caused by STDs and poor overall healthcare-- there is also a high rate of miscarriage and stillbirth for the same reasons.
• Russia's infant mortality rate remains 3-4 times higher than Western Europe and North America
• Due to rising rates of alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy, the amount of low birthweight (<4.4>
• 50% of Russia's expectant mothers are malnourished
• 1 in 10 Russian babies die before birth (due to stillbirth or miscarriage)
• During pregnancy, women are seldom taught even the basics regarding gestation, nutrition or what to expect during birth