The preterm labor rate in the United States, and Ohio specifically, received a grade of “C” in a recent report by the March of Dimes. One in eight (or 500,000) babies are born premature annually in the United States. Shockingly, this number is down. This poor grade was given despite the fact that preterm labor rates are lower than they have been in 15 years at 11.5%, which means our country still has a long way to go to prevent premature labor and birth.
Preterm labor rates in the United States are the highest among developed countries. While the United States does have high-success rates for babies born prematurely, preterm labor still puts mothers and babies at great risk. So, with our technology and education, and great hospitals, why are so many mothers having their babies early in the US?
High preterm labor rates in the United States may be caused by any of the following factors:
- A large percentage of women who have preterm labor come from low-income backgrounds and have no insurance. Thus, their prenatal care suffers. Some women never seek treatment for their pregnancy, and those who do, often aren’t treated until late into pregnancy, which leaves them vulnerable to complications, including premature birth.
- Fertility intervention is very common in the United States, and fertility treatment often results in the pregnancy with multiples. Woman carrying multiples are considered high-risk, and much more likely to have preterm labor.
- Delayed pregnancies, woman waiting until they’re older in age to have their babies, smoking during pregnancy, inductions, and cesarean births for convenience are other reasons women in the United States are more prone to preterm labor.
Babies born premature have a greater risk of serious disability and even death.
Preterm birth is any birth that happens before the 37th week of pregnancy. During a baby’s final weeks in the womb, he or she is still developing. The brain, lungs, liver, and other organs, need time to prepare to enter the world. Not getting that time to develop in a safe environment can be devastating for an infant. Past statistics show premature birth resulted in 35% of all infant deaths, which places it above all other causes of death.
Specific medical issues a premature baby may suffer from include:
- Developmental Delays
- Vision Problems
- Hearing Problems
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding Problems
- Breathing Problems
If your baby was born premature and has suffered from any preterm-related health problems, you have to call me right away 1 (800) 556-4769.
As your Ohio birth injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
