Pregnancy & Birth

Premature Labor and Birth

A premature baby is one who is born before the 37th week of pregnancy.  Approximately 1 in 8 women go into labor prematurely. Preterm labor can happen to any woman: Only about half the women who have preterm labor have any known risk factors. Babies born prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy may experience various problems and are far more likely than full-term babies to be hospitalized and have long-term health problems.
 
The March of Dimes has created a campaign to reduce preterm birth by supporting research and educating the public and health care providers. Their website carries extensive information on the risk factors, symptoms, risks and costs of premature labor, as well as advice on what you can do to prevent preterm labor.

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