Published by: Katie Reid on 11/17/2011 3:01:47 PM
For the first time ever, countries across the globe are joining together to raise awareness for the more than 13 million babies born each year too soon, of which one million won’t survive. In the United States alone, 12.2 percent of all babies are born prematurely (aka preterm and defined as birth before the 37th week gestation). Although this rate has dropped over the past five years, it is still far short of the March of Dimes’ 2020 preterm birth rate goal of 9.6 percent.
Fortunately, many babies born prematurely will go on to live long, healthy lives. However, prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death throughout the world. Babies born prematurely have higher hospitalization rates and are at significantly higher risk for having lifelong breathing problems, cerebral palsy, and slow intellectual development. To give you an illustration of one challenge faced by a premature baby, pick up that coffee stir you used in your coffee this morning and try to breathe through it for 30 seconds while holding your nose closed (NOTE: if you start to get lightheaded or faint, please unplug your nose!). This is what the struggle is like for babies born too early before their lungs have fully developed.
So today, I honor the million babies worldwide born too soon and the 12 million more struggling to survive. I honor my mother Rita who, born 10 weeks early, has fought her entire life for the ability to breathe. She continues that fight today 6 years after a lung transplant needed because her premature, underdeveloped lungs finally gave out. I honor my friend Amelia who, despite dedicating most of her life to volunteering with the March of Dimes and their fight to end prematurity, gave birth nearly two months ago to a beautiful, but premature, baby boy. I honor my family, friends, co-workers, and every one of you who will at some point or another be touched by premature birth.
Today, I ask you to join in fight to end prematurity and ensure a day when all babies are born on time and healthy. While we know some of the causes, nearly 40 percent of premature births are due to unknown causes. A mother can do everything right during her pregnancy and still deliver prematurely. It is important to continue researching the causes of premature birth across the globe and to better understand the risk factors for delivering preterm. Visit the March of Dimes website to learn more about World Prematurity Day and to join in the fight to end premature birth.