SAVES BABIES’ LIVES

• Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death in the United States.
• Even preterm infants who are only a few weeks from their due date have twice the risk of death than infants born at full-term.

• Preterm birth results in permanent disability in as many as 1 in 4 babies.
• Preterm babies are more likely to have behavior problems, health problems, learning problems, and difficulties in school.

• The cost of a preterm birth is much higher for insurers and other payers than the cost of a healthy, full-term birth.
• Preterm birth contributes a significant share of the rising costs of health care to employers and to taxpayers.
• Children who are born preterm are more likely to need a higher level of resources from schools and the community.

• Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death in the United States and puts babies at great risk for lifelong disabilities. Rates have increased more than 30% since 1981—this translates to 1 in 8 births, or more than 520,000 premature births nationwide. In 2005 in Kentucky, nearly 15% of births were delivered preterm, one of the highest rates in the nation.
• Babies born even a few weeks early are at greater risk of death than full-term infants, are more likely to be re-hospitalized or to need long-term care of health problems, and physical or neurological difficulties.
• Preterm birth has consequences for many facets of our communities including school systems, employers, and insurers. HEALTHY BABIES ARE WORTH THE WAIT 4 A Prematurity Prevention Partnership
• Many preterm births—especially late preterm—could be prevented by addressing known risk factors, including:
  • Getting regular prenatal care
  • Careful attention to nutrition and weight
  • Appropriate treatment for existing medical conditions
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use and secondhand smoke
  • Refusing inductions or Cesarean deliveries offered with no medical reason

• The March of Dimes, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., and the Kentucky Department for Public Health have formed Healthy Babies are Worth the WaitSM: A Prematurity Prevention Partnership. The goals of this 3-year collaboration are:
  • A 15% reduction in the singleton preterm birth rate through direct intervention by medical professionals with expectant mothers.
  • Raising awareness of the issue of preterm birth among all members of the community by working with community leaders.
  • Enhancing an ongoing local and national dialogue about risk factors for preterm birth and prevention options.
• You can help by becoming a Prematurity Prevention Community Partner and spreading the information about preterm birth in your community.