High Risk Infant Follow-Up

The High Risk Infant Follow-Up/Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Reporting System (APORS) program is for infants born with high risk factors such as prematurity, small size for gestational age and birth defects. Infants who meet the eligibility guidelines are referred by the hospital when the infant is discharged home. Public Health Nurses can work with the families for the first two years of life. There is no income eligibility for participation and the program is free.

APORS collects information on Illinois infants born with birth defects or other abnormal conditions. The purpose of APORS is to conduct surveillance on birth defects, to guide public health policy in the reduction of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to identify and refer children who require special services to correct and prevent developmental problems and other disabling conditions. All licensed Illinois hospitals are required to report adverse pregnancy outcomes to APORS.

Services Provided

  • Anticipatory guidance to the parents on the optimal growth and development of the infant
  • Assistance in obtaining pediatric primary care, including well-child visits, immunizations and specialty medical care
  • Developmental screenings of the infant by the Public Health Nurse at specified ages
  • Education provided on the condition(s) of the infant
  • Home visits by Public Health Nurse until your child is 2 years of age, or until you no longer need the service
  • Referral to appropriate community resources and services based on the assessment of the infant/family needs, including medical, social and support resources

Conditions That Are Considered High Risk

Infants must have one of the following conditions at birth to be reported through the APORS program:

  • A birth defect or congenital anomaly
  • A blood disorder
  • Infant death (before discharge from the newborn stay)
  • A metabolic, endocrine, or immune disorder
  • Multiple births (3 or more)
  • Prematurity (less than 30 weeks)
  • A prenatal drug exposure
  • A serious congenital infection
  • Other conditions