Prematurity Awareness Month
Did you know that November is Prematurity Awareness Month? This month, the March of Dimes brings attention to premature birth, and November 17 marks World Prematurity Day.
The complications of preterm birth currently outrank all other causes of death among young children in the world. Among the estimated 6.3 million deaths of children under of 5 in 2013, the complications from premature births resulted in about 1.1 million deaths.
Every year, about 15 million babies are born preterm around the globe. The babies who survive frequently experience lifelong health problems including cerebral palsy, vision or hearing loss, and intellectual disability.
Premature birth is a birth that occurs too soon–before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born before 37 weeks may have more health problems or a longer hospital stay than babies born closer to term, which is 40 weeks of pregnancy. Every year in the US, about 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely.
Because prematurity can result in long-term health problems for babies, it can also make significant financial impacts and may eventually affect a person’s education or ability to work.
Premature babies may grow up to have a more difficult time in school than babies born at 37 weeks. About 1 in 3 children born prematurely will need special education services at some point in their schooling. Many of these learning problems may not appear until elementary or middle school.
Even babies born between 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy may struggle in school. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, a baby’s brain is still developing and growing. At 35 weeks, a baby’s brain only weighs about two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. That’s why, whenever possible, it’s ideal to remain pregnant for at least 39 weeks. It gives a baby’s brain the necessary time to develop before birth.
Would you would like to participate in Prematurity Awareness Month and World Prematurity Day? Go to www.facebook.com/worldprematurityday to share your own, stories, photos and videos about your experience with premature birth.
If your pregnancy is at risk for premature delivery, ask your hospital if they partner with Bella Baby Photography. We can help you capture your miraculous newborn baby even in the NICU.