NATIONAL PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN NOVEMBER

McALLEN -  This month recognizes National Prematurity Awareness Month when the March of Dimes along with other organizations intensify their efforts to raise awareness about the serious problem of premature births in Texas.  In Texas today, 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely and is the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S.  In Hidalgo County, the preterm birth rate was 14% in 2006 and this number continues to escalate.

While most pregnancies last around 40 weeks, premature babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.  Premature birth is a serious health problem since these babies are at increased risk for newborn health complications, such as breathing problems, infections and even death.  Premature babies also face an increased risk of life-long health difficulties, such as intellectual disabilities, learning and behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, autism and vision and hearing loss.

All of the factors that contribute to preterm birth are not yet understood, however, certain medical conditions during pregnancy may increase the likelihood that a woman will have preterm labor.  These include high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity as well as being younger than 18 or older than 35 years of age.  Also, certain lifestyle factors put women at a greater risk to give birth prematurely such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, experiencing high levels of stress or working long hours with long periods of standing.

"Proper healthcare before and during pregnancy is of vital importance and can help identify conditions that contribute to the serious medical risk of premature births," stated Rep. Veronica Gonzales.  "We need to improve awareness of preterm risk factors and ensure that pregnant women, especially those uninsured, have access to prenatal care to ensure the health of themselves and their babies."

For more information on prematurity and its prevention visit the March of Dimes website.