November is National Prematurity Awareness Month

In Texas today, 1 in 7 babies is born prematurely. More newborns die from premature birth than any other cause.

November is National Prematurity Awareness Month.
November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day.
Please join the Fight for Preemies this November!

In an average week in Texas:

1,050
babies are born preterm
(less than 37 completed
weeks of pregnancy)

49
babies die before reaching their first birthday



In Texas…
· In 2006, there were 54,612 preterm births—13.7% of live births.

· Between 1996 and 2006, the rate of infants born preterm increased 17%.

In the United States…
· In 2005, the annual societal economic cost (medical, educational, and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth was at least $26.2 billion.

Throughout the month of November, prematurity awareness events showcasing March of Dimes programs that are reducing the occurrence of premature births will be held all across Texas. For more information, please contact your local March of Dimes office. 409-835-7606


Together, we must continue to work hard to give every baby a strong and healthy start!



www.marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies

Give: Buy a virtual wristband in honor of or in memory of a child.
Do: Join our national advocacy network!
Learn: View National Report Card on
Prematurity and other important information.