Opening Statement:
With my being born almost 3-months premature and weighing only 1lb 9oz and 13 inches long, I do have a lot of knowledge and personal experience concerning prematurity. I had a tremendous amount of health and growth issues from the first moment I was born and continue to manage the after effects of prematurity as an adult almost every day. The March of Dimes created World Prematurity Day and it is celebrated every year on November 17th. Let us all take a moment to show compassion and support for families who have in the past and currently are experiencing the anxiety of a premature birth. By observing World Prematurity Day, it reminds us of babies born too early and the many health challenges they can face as they grow up. These little babies need so much love and support, and World Prematurity Day is a chance to show it. It would be wonderful if everyone can join in and wear purple on November 17th.
History Of World Prematurity Day
· World Prematurity Day was created on November 17, 2011 to raise awareness for the millions of children every year who are born prematurely. While technologies and medical procedures in America have increased over the years, preterm babies still carry a huge vulnerability to develop cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems, and sight problems.
· Additionally, while neonatal death in the United States is low in comparison to most of the world, premature births account for a quarter of all neonatal deaths.
· Many reasons why World Prematurity Day was created was to shine a light on the risk and hardships created by premature births, cost-effective and proven solutions, and spreading compassion for families who have experienced premature births.
· There are premature babies that grow up to be completely healthy individuals, with some even becoming notable public figures such as Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein.
Facts and Important Dates to Remember
· 2012 - A Collaboration
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a national group of obstetricians and gynecologists, supported the March of Dimes' campaign urging the public to avoid scheduling a medically unnecessary delivery prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy.
· 2008 - The March of Dimes Created the Preemie Act
The Preemie Act, launched by the March of Dimes, became law in 2006 and requesting federal support for lifesaving research and education about babies born too early.
· The 1990s - Strides in Technology Improved Prematurity
The decade reflected many achievements in successfully treating premature infants born as early as 23 weeks and weighing just over a pound.
· The 1980s - Family First
This decade saw many family-centered changes in how to help premature babies — including parental rooming-in policies in hospitals, and older children allowing to help in the infants' care.
How To Observe World Prematurity Day
· Post Pictures on social media
Many people have never seen a premature baby. You can make a difference by posting pictures of preemies on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. It may be unnerving to see such tiny human beings with tubes coming out of their mouths or in incubators. But it's an important way to put the problem of premature babies front and center. Your photo could just start a movement.
· Give A Care Package
Many organizations sponsor care packages for preemies. These gifts contain tiny diapers, bottles, blankets, and in many cases, doll-sized clothes. Some hospitals also provide these packages without charge to families with babies weighing less than three pounds. Or, just go out and buy some things and share them with a new mother.
· A Day to Wear the Color Purple
Purple is the official color for National World Prematurity Day. Wear your purple ribbon pin or even get a purple ribbon tattoo. Light your home or office with a purple bulb. Whatever way you can show your support empowers the families who are struggling to keep a premature baby alive. It's a way to do your part to educate and sensitize the community to this unfortunate problem that can affect any one of us.
What Can Cause a Premature Birth
· Medical Conditions: Infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions can increase the risk of premature birth.
· Pregnancy Complications: Problems with the placenta, cervix, or uterus, or injuries to the body can cause premature birth.
· Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, stress, and lack of social support can all increase the risk of premature birth.
· Age: Women under 18 and over 35 are at higher risk of premature birth.
· Socioeconomic Factors: Poorer socioeconomic conditions are associated with an increased risk of premature birth.
· Genetic Influence: There may be a genetic component to premature birth.
· Low PAPP-A Levels: Low levels of Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) may indicate that the placenta isn't working properly, which can increase the risk of premature birth.
· In many cases, no cause is identified for premature birth.
Closing Statement:
There is several health risks associated with prematurity that can take a while to be taken care of and under control. To mention a few examples, they are: lung and breathing problems, digestion, growth, cognitive impairment, intellectual, learning difficulties, mental health, Cerebral palsy, and various other disabilities that can and frequently are detected at birth. Often these issues become noticeable as the infant is growing up and hopefully are properly diagnosed as a premature infant grows into their childhood and teenage years. A premature baby needs extra special care and it is not only the babies that need special care, but often the mother needs it as well. When a mother gives birth to a premature baby, there is so much physical and emotional stress that comes with it. In most cases, preemies need to live at the hospital for the first month or longer because of the premature birth. I was kept in the neonatal unit for 3-months, until my due date, and I reached 4 lbs. Mothers often lose sleep due to late nights at the hospital, suffer from feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression, and feel like failures. It is important to take the physical and mental health of the mother into consideration, just as much as it is for the baby. I know for my mother, the guilt of me being born prematurely is still ongoing as well as the challenges I still have and will always need to manage for the rest of my life.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experiences and Comments.
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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