Premature birth is a common, costly and serious health problem that affects about 1,900 births in Hawaii and more than 380,000 babies in the U.S. Premature birth is the number one killer of babies in Hawaii and babies who survive
Premature birth is a common, costly and serious health problem that affects about 1,900 births in Hawaii and more than 380,000 babies in the U.S. Premature birth is the number one killer of babies in Hawaii and babies who survive an early birth often have lifelong health problems such as cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities. Even infants born just a few weeks early have a greater risk of respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, temperature instability, jaundice and delayed brain development. The last few weeks are crucial to a baby’s health because many vital organs, such as the brain, lungs and liver, are not completely developed until then.
Hawaii’s preterm birth rate was 10 percent in 2014, compared to the U.S. rate of 9.6 percent. While prematurity in Hawaii has decreased since 2009, we are still far from the March of Dimes goal of 8.1 percent by 2020.
What women need to know
Women can reduce their risk of having a preterm birth by:
– Planning their pregnancy and getting a preconception checkup to be ready to become pregnant;
– Spacing births — waiting 18 months between birth and the next pregnancy;
– Identifying and treating chronic health conditions before pregnancy;
– Not smoking during pregnancy;
– Going to all their prenatal care appointments;
– Getting to a healthy weight before pregnancy and controlling their weight gain during pregnancy;
– Protecting themselves from infections;
– Reducing stress;
– Waiting until at least 39 weeks to deliver their baby, in a healthy pregnancy;
– Talking to their health provider about progesterone, if they have had a previous preterm birth.
Women should know the signs of preterm labor and call their health care provider if they have any of the warning signs. Signs of preterm labor include:
– Contractions (your belly tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often;
– Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina);
– Pelvic pressure — the feeling that your baby is pushing down;
– Low, dull backache;
– Cramps that feel like your period;
– Belly cramps with or without diarrhea.
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Lin Joseph MPH, is director of program services, March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter.
