Education Aims at Preventing Premature Births

The March of Dimes and several other organizations throughout the country are now offering programs that hope to better educate women on premature birth. Premature birth can lead to life long struggles causing disabilities like cerebral palsy in children.

Why Education Is Important

According to the March of Dimes, prematurity is the leading cause of death in the first month of a child's life. “In New York State, one of every seven babies is born premature. Premature meaning they are born anywhere before 37 weeks. 40 weeks is considered full term,” explains Patti Knapp of Thompson Health. Babies who do survive premature births, are likely to suffer long-term consequences such as retardation, chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy.

Clover Leaf Project

The Clover Leaf Project is one of the many that has been funded by the March of Dimes and aims to increase awareness regarding prematurity for expectant mothers as well as for the father of the baby. Jennifer Orcutt, who's mother delivered early several times, began educating herself through programs after finding out about her own pregnancy. Orcutt says she has been going to the program's lending libraries for information. “This is a great resource to learn how to stay healthy and de-stress and be good to yourself and your baby,” says Orcutt. (Source: News 10 Now) Do you know someone who was born with cerebral palsy as the result of a premature birth? Contact us today to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney who will evaluate your case and lead you in the right legal direction.