November is Prematurity Awareness Month; Find Related Local Data

Before this month draws to a close, we wanted to be sure to note that National Prematurity Awareness Month is in November. This month presents an opportunity to raise awareness of preterm births and the health complications associated with low birthweight and infant prematurity. According to the March of Dimes, there are nearly 500,000 babies born preterm each year in the U.S. These infants are at an increased risk of long-term health disabilities, such as mental retardation, chronic respiratory problems, cerebral palsy, childhood psychiatric disorders, hearing and vision impairments, and autism.

About 12% of pregnancies in the United States result in preterm birth, and 10% of infants in California were born prematurely in 2009, according to data just published on kidsdata.org.
See the percentage of infants born preterm in your county>>

Prematurity Awareness Month highlights not only the risks to preterm infants, but also the healthy practices mothers-to-be can adopt in order to give their babies the best possible chance of reaching full-term gestation. Receiving proper prenatal care and not smoking are two key precautions pregnant women are urged to take.

Learn more low birthweight and preterm births in California>>

Posted by kidsdata.org

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