US earns a ‘D’ in premature birth report card

More than 545,000 babies in the United States are born prematurely each year. That’s nearly 1 in 8 babies who may face a lifetime of health challenges, if they survive.

The highest rate of preterm birth by UN region according to the data from the March of Dimes White Paper Report is:

1. Africa

2. North America (Canada and United States)

3. Asia

4. Latin America and Caribbean

5. Oceania (Australia and New Zealand)

6. Europe

Clinical Preterm Research Study Needs Participants:

If you have a history of having a preterm baby, then you may qualify for a clinical research study on a drug called hydroxyprogesterone caproate, also known as “17P”. 17P is a man-made progesterone that may help prevent preterm birth in some pregnant women who have already had a preterm birth. 17P has been tested for the prevention of early delivery in women with a single-baby pregnancy and who have a history of previous early single-baby delivery. However, an additional study to confirm its safety and benefit is needed.

There will be approximately 1700 subjects enrolled in the United States, Canada and several other countries. For more information on the specific US study site locations, call toll-free at 877-707-4888.

Other Causes of Preterm Births:

Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Smoking

Carrying Multiples or Multiple Miscarriages

Preclampsia

Gestational Diabetes

Vitamin C Deficiency

Previous Preterm Births

Being Under or Overweight

Jasmine Jafferali, MPH is a maternal, child and family health educator. She works as an Educational and Wellness Consultant helping women and families achieve healthier lifestyles. She is a Master Trainer for Healthy Moms(R) Fitness www.healthymomsfitness.com and a well respected Pregnancy Health Columnist for Examiner.com

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