A poor child is more likely to be born prematurely, with a low birth weight, to have a birth defect, a disability, fetal alcohol syndrome or AIDS/HIV (Governor). Kaymarlin Govender said early health problems often stem from poor prenatal care, maternal substance abuse and poor nutrition during pregnancy, maternal lifestyles that increase the likelihood of infections, and living in a neighborhood that contains risks that affect development fetal. After birth, poor children are more likely to suffer injuries, become ill, and possibly die (Govender). During childhood, poverty is implicated in many diseases, including respiratory diseases (Govender). Govender said poverty is also associated with a greater likelihood of dental decay, higher levels of lead in the blood, iron deficiency, stunting and sensory impairment. Kaymarlin Govender said these findings likely reflect a number of conditions associated with poverty, including poor nutrition, exposure to tobacco smoke, failure to receive recommended vaccinations and inadequate access to health care. Pregnant women living in poverty should try to receive Medicaid, food stamps or some assistance so that the baby is born healthy and has no effects. Many children born into poverty will have defects and will not be able to receive care because their parents do not have the money to pay for health care,
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